New York City FC announced that the Club has completed the transfer of Frédéric Brillant from K.V. Oostende. Targeted Allocation Money was used in the purchase of the player. Per MLS policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Brillant, a 30-year old French center back, has made 79 appearances for the Belgian first division side over the past three seasons. Prior to that Brillant amassed 185 total appearances in Belgian professional football since 2005.
“This is a new challenge in my career and a great opportunity,” Brillant told nycfc.com. “It’s also a new adventure for my family. I’m very excited to wear the colors of New York City FC and play in front of the fans at Yankee Stadium.”
“It will be an honor for me to be coached by Patrick Vieira, he is a role model in France for what he’s achieved in his career and is known throughout the game for his leadership.”
New York City FC Sporting Director Claudio Reyna believes that Brillant is passionate about playing for the Club.
“Frédéric will bring leadership and experience to our defense,” said Reyna. “He was eager to join us and that’s one thing we always look for when recruiting a player. It’s important to us that players are passionate about playing for this club. With his strength and his ability to anticipate danger, he could be a real asset to the team.”
Head Coach Patrick Vieira believes that Brillant can bring experience to the back line.
“To have more experience in the back will give the Club different options”, said Vieira. “We’ve brought in a number of young players recently so to add some experience is important. Frédéric is very composed with the ball at his feet and has a great understanding of the game.”
