New York City FC’s 2-0 win at Toronto, behind two David Villa goals, was only the second best news that they got Saturday, with the big-spending expansion team inching closer to signing Italian superstar Andrea Pirlo.
Pirlo was at Old-Timers’ Day at Yankee Stadium, getting a firsthand look at his possible next home. The 36-year-old midfielder was not made available by the Yankees, and he departed the Stadium suite level without comment. But multiple sources said a signing could come next week, and NYCFC seems set to beat out EPL side Liverpool for his services.
After signing David Villa and Frank Lampard to $6 million contracts, NYCFC would fill their maximum of three Designated Players if they complete a move for Pirlo, who has won six Serie A titles and just helped Juventus to the Champions League final.
Pirlo, one of the world’s top dead-ball artists and best passers, would facilitate for Villa, who had a brace to lead NYCFC to a third straight league win on Saturday. The Spanish striker buried an eighth-minute penalty, then scored again in the 58th off assists by Mehdi Ballouchy and Thomas McNamara.