New York City FC has acquired Argentinian defender Braian Cufre on loan from LaLiga side RCD Mallorca.

The deal is pending the receipt of his ITC and P1 visa, but does include the option for NYCFC to permanently acquire Cufre at the end of the 2023 season.

Cufre, 26, scored one goal to go with three assists in 39 matches across all competitions since joining Mallorca in 2020, and helped the side get promoted back to Spain’s first division. While on loan with LaLiga 2 side Malaga CF last season, Cufre made 27 appearances in the league and the Copa del Rey combined.

“We are delighted to welcome Braian to the Club,” NYCFC sporting director David Lee said Friday in the club’s announcement. “He is a player we have followed for a number of years and was one of the top talents in Argentina which earned him the move to Mallorca. He is a skilled and technical left back that can contribute to both the attack and defense. Braian is entering the prime of his career and we believe that he can continue his development while also making an immediate impact on our team.

“Having played in Spain and Argentina, we believe he will bring valuable experience to the Club and look forward to welcoming him into our group.”

Cufre began his professional career with Argentinian team Club Atletico Velez Sarsfield in 2015, going on to make 92 appearances with the club before joining Mallorca.

“I am excited to be joining New York City,” Cufre said. “They have shown that they are one of the tops teams in MLS and are always in the hunt for a championship. I look forward to continuing my development there and will look to use my experience abroad to help the team anyway I can.

“I want to thank everyone at the Club for giving me the opportunity to join such a wonderful club in such a great city. I can’t wait to meet our fans and play in front of them this season.”

–Field Level Media