New York City FC has completed the transfer of Luxembourg defender Maxime Chanot from K.V. Kortrijk in the Belgium Pro League, the Club announced today. Targeted Allocation Money was used to acquire Chanot. He will join New York City FC’s roster pending receipt of his P1 visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
The 26-year-old native of Nancy, France, a central back, is a regular on the Luxembourg national team with 19 caps. His lone international goal was the equalizer for Les Lions Rouges in a 1-1 draw with Italy on June 4, 2014. Chanot scored four goals in 36 matches for K.V. Kortrijk, which finished ninth in the Belgium Pro League last season.
“It is an understatement to say that I’m excited to play for New York City FC,” Chanot said. “It is a great honor and I want the people of New York City to know that I will do my best to make them proud of their team. In the course of my career I played in England, in France and the last 5 years in Belgium. It was definitely the perfect time for me to take on a new challenge.”
When asked about his playing style, Chanot said, “I would describe myself as a real central defender. I love duels and people often say that my main asset is my physical impact. I’m also a ball-playing player and I'll try to score goals for my team when possible, especially when it comes to set-pieces.”
Chanot is looking forward to the opportunity to play under Head Coach Patrick Vieira.
“I wanted to become a professional soccer player after France won the World Cup in 1998. I was so impressed and amazed by the French national team. I grew up in France, so playing for Patrick Vieira is going to be very special for me.”
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New York City FC Sporting Director Claudio Reyna said, “We’re excited about Maxime’s leadership abilities and believe he’ll add more depth to our defensive unit. He has strong technical qualities, reads danger well, and is at the stage of his career where he can contribute to this team for many years to come.”
“Maxime made it clear how much he wanted to join the team and it’s fantastic when a player shows that level of commitment to be part of our Club.”
Chanot, who joined K.V. Kortrijk from White Star in the Belgium second division in 2013, is reunited with former teammate Frédéric Brillant. The two played seven matches together for Beerschot AC in the Belgium Pro League in 2013.
Chanot began his professional career with AS Nancy and Stade de Reims in France before joining Sheffield United in 2007. He had loan spells with Mansfield Town and Hamilton Academical before joining Le Mans in 2009. Chanot also played for Gueugnon and WS Woluwe.
“It is fantastic to add another player of quality to our defense,” said NYCFC Head Coach Patrick Vieira. “Maxime will create more competition for playing time on our back line and that can only be a positive thing.”
“We like his skill set and his ability to play the ball out of the back. He is strong in the tackle and a very physical player. I’m looking forward to him joining up with us as soon as possible. I know he’ll work hard to contribute to this football club."
Per the league’s Discovery Process conflict resolution mechanism, New York City FC acquired the right to sign Chanot from Orlando City SC in exchange for General Allocation Money.
