EPL: No agreement between Man City, NYCFC for Frank Lampard

The Premier League said there is no agreement between Manchester City and MLS team New York City FC regarding Frank Lampard, Jamie Jackson of The Guardian
EPL: No agreement between Man City, NYCFC for Frank Lampard
EPL: No agreement between Man City, NYCFC for Frank Lampard /

The Premier League said there is no agreement between Manchester City and MLS team New York City FC regarding Frank Lampard, Jamie Jackson of The Guardian reports.

Manchester City, which owns NYCFC, announced last month that Lampard will finish the Premier League season before joining NYCFC this coming season. 

The Premier League said Manchester City has not done anything wrong in extending Lampard's stay with the team.

“Frank Lampard is registered as a Manchester City player until the end of the 2014/15 season.

“The Premier League has sought and received assurances from Manchester City that there is no agreement in place between the Club or City Football Group with New York City FC relating to the player.”

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Last summer, NYCFC announced Lampard would be its designated player for its inaugural season in MLS, but Lampard apparently signed not with NYCFC specifically but with City Football Group, an umbrella organization overseeing Manchester City, New York City FC and other clubs.

Depending on how long Manchester City's season lasts, he will not join NYCFC until the summer.

MLS commissioner Don Garber told Wahl last week that he has confidence in NYCFC's front office.

“I could understand why their fans are unhappy, and I do believe [NYCFC] will work hard to build back that trust,” Garber said. “They’ve started that process already. I sensed this was coming, and it didn’t surprise me when they ultimately made their decision. You’re dealing with a very unusual set of circumstances. Frank has become one of the most important players in Man City’s season, and he’s scored critical goals to have them tied for first place in the Premier League.

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Garber reiterated that Lampard would be joining NYCFC in July at the latest. 

Lampard has five goals and one assist in 15 games this season for Manchester City.

Manchester City is 14-4-2 and tied with Chelsea for first place in the Premier League.

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- Paul Palladino


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