Frank Lampard is set for a six-month loan to Manchester City before he joins Major League Soccer in earnest next year, according to multiple reports out of England released on Friday.
Lampard, 36, was announced last week as the newest Designated Player for MLS expansion franchise New York City FC, who will make their league debut in 2015. It was not revealed at the time where Lampard would spend the next six months while NYCFC build their roster, but the former Chelsea legend said that he wanted to remain at “the very top level” in order to take his MLS transition in full stride.
“When we come here for pre-season I want to be ready to go,” Lampard said last week. “I want to fly out of the blocks. I don't want to come out sluggish.”
He’ll certainly get the chance to stay fit with Manchester City, the parent club for NYCFC and one of the premier clubs in Europe. It’s unclear when Lampard will join the team, but Manchester City are currently in the United States competing in the Guinness International Cup ahead of their Community Shield match against Arsenal on Aug. 10.
They’ll open the English Premier League season on Aug. 17 at Newcastle.
No official word yet from the club.
NYCFC’s first Designated Player, Spanish striker David Villa, will play for Australian side and NYCFC sister club Melbourne City before joining the club ahead of the 2015 preseason.
