TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Trade
FC Cincinnati have acquired left back Ronald Matarrita from NYCFC in exchange for $500,000 in General Allocation Money that breaks down to $250,000 in 2021 and $250,000 in 2022, the clubs announced Tuesday. NYCFC could receive a further $100,000 pending performance-based incentives.
Additionally, Cincy have signed Matarrita to a multi-year contract extension. He'll occupy a domestic roster spot on the club's 2021 roster.
“We are happy to be able to add Ronald to our team for the 2021 MLS season,” Cincy GM Gerard Nijkamp said in a club statement. “Not only is he a proven talent within Major League Soccer, his strengths and player profile are a great fit for our playing philosophy at a position of need. We look forward to welcoming Ronald to Cincinnati and integrating him within our club.”
Matarrita, 26, made 106 appearances with NYCFC over five seasons. He started 19 of the club's 23 games in 2020, a stalwart at left back for first-year boss Ronny Deila. He's also a mainstay with the Costa Rican national team.
“Mata has been one of our core players since he arrived five years ago and crossed the 100-game mark for us earlier this year," NYCFC sporting director David Lee said in a club statement. "He has contributed many fantastic performances and has been an important player, both on the pitch and in the locker room."
Matarrita is one of the league's top attacking left backs, making him a good fit under Jaap Stam. The Dutch head coach likes to play with wingbacks or a flat back four. Cincy lost starting fullback Andrew Gutman in the Re-Entry Draft. Atlanta United now hold his MLS rights, though his loan from Celtic has expired.
