Frank Lampard to leave Chelsea and join New York City FC on free transfer
According to reports, England midfielder Frank Lampard has agreed to join New York City FC on a free transfer.
Lampard, who has been with Chelsea since he signed for the West London club in 2001 is said to be leaving the club as a free agent. He had only signed a one-year extension on his deal at the end of last season.
The 35-year-old will likely be joining David villa in the new club to begin his journey in the MLS. Both Lampard and Villa were at Manchester City’s Carrington complex to finalize their moves. Manchester City have expansion rights on New York City FC – the second franchise from the city after New York Red Bulls.
Both the players met New York City head coach Jason Kreis this weekend to discuss their moves to the new club.
It is understood that Lampard will be earning less than the weekly wages of £150,000 he earned at Chelsea. But he is set to earn more through bonuses.
If this deal does materialise, one also needs to understand that the new MLS season begins only in March 2015, so some sources also say that Lampard could turn out on loan at Chelsea for six months before going back to New York City for good. Nothing has been made official as of yet and we probably have to wait till the World cup gets over.
Lampard spent 13 seasons with Chelsea and is the club’s all-time highest goal scorer with 211 goals to his name. He had a trophy laden career at Chelsea winning the Premier League thrice, the FA Cup four times and the League Cup twice. He also won one Champions League title and followed it up with the Europa League trophy.