NEW YORK | New York City FC is pleased to announce the acquisition of defender Jose Angel Tasende on loan for the remainder of the 2015 Major League Soccer season.
Tasende, known as Angelino, is a member of the Manchester City FC Elite Development Squad. He will be eligible for selection following the opening of the MLS transfer window on July 8, pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and his P1 Visa.
The 18-year-old Spanish youth international signed with Manchester City’s youth ranks as a first-year scholar in July 2013 and was a regular for the U-18s during the 2012-13 campaign. The left back made his EDS (U-21) debut prior to his 17th birthday and joins New York City FC after a very successful 2014-15 campaign.
“I’m very happy for the opportunity that Manchester City and New York City FC have given me. To be able to play in New York is a great opportunity for me and I am eager to get started. I can’t wait to get to New York and join my new teammates,” Angelino said. “I know Shay Facey is doing really well for the team and loving the experience. The atmosphere at Yankee Stadium seems amazing so I’m really looking forward to playing in front of our supporters.
“Being able to train and play in a professional league like MLS, and learn from Coach Kreis will help me develop further as a young player. I’m determined to make the most of my opportunity and give everything I can to help the team in our first season.”
“Angelino is a talented young player that I became very familiar with when I spent my five months over in Manchester,” New York City FC head coach Jason Kreis said. “Immediately, he was somebody that I liked. I was impressed with his character, the way he trained and the effort he gave to the team on the pitch. I couldn’t be more pleased that we’ve been able to bring him into this squad.
“Angelino is very hungry to move forward in his career and has a fighting mentality that you want to see in a young professional. For a team that wants to play the way we do, he has all the attributes you’d want to see in an outside back. Defensively he’s very good in 1-v-1 battles but is also effective in getting forward and serving good balls into the box.”
Angelino, who chose Manchester City over Real Madrid and Barcelona, showcased his offensive prowess by scoring a hat trick for the EDS in a 4-2 win over Leicester City on April 7.
“Angelino’s development in the last 18 months in Manchester has been tremendous,” New York City FC Sporting Director Claudio Reyna said. “He has excellent technical qualities on the ball and plays with a competitive spirit that will fit in nicely to the team.
“He is in the City Football Group family and we’ll do everything we can to make sure he settles in, develops as a player and has a great experience with New York City FC.”
