Football
Jonathan Smith, Manchester City correspondent 7y

Manchester City loan Yangel Herrera to New York City FC for 2017 season

Manchester City midfielder Yangel Herrera has joined New York City FC in Major League Soccer on a season-long loan.

The 19-year-old Venezuelan, only moved to the Premier League club on British transfer deadline day on Jan. 31. He was expected to be then sent on loan to one of team's sister clubs in the City Football Group.

Herrera won his first cap for Venezuela in October before captaining his country to third place at the South American Under-20 Championships earlier this year.

The former Atletico Venezuela player is looking forward to playing under New York coach Patrick Vieira when the MLS season kicks off in March.

"I'm very happy to take this next step in my career. To have the opportunity to play with such a high calibre of players is very exciting and to join a team that has a good football philosophy is very important to me," he told the club's website.

"I'm looking forward to playing under Patrick Vieira as he's someone who played my position and I know I'll be able to learn a lot from him. I want to absorb all the good things from Patrick and the other players."

Vieira was impressed by Herrera's performances at the South American Championships and believes he will provide strong competition to his current squad.

"Although Yangel is just starting out on his career, we believe he will make an impact in Major League Soccer once he's settled into a new country and has adapted to our system of play," the three-time Premier League winner said.

"He's a tactically intelligent midfielder who is strong in the tackle and reads the game well. Yangel also has good passing range and spatial awareness, which is crucial for a player in his position."

City have previously sent youngsters Shay Facey and Angelino to New York on loan deals.

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