NEW YORK – New York City FC today announced that it has signed Defender João Loiola and Forward El Hadji Samb to Short-Term Agreements from MLS NEXT Pro affiliate New York City FC II.
Loiola signs his third Short-Term Agreement of the season after making his First Team debut in Leagues Cup in New York City’s opening Phase One win over Santos Laguna and being rostered against Cruz Azul. Since joining New York City FC II in May for the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season, the Brazilian has made 10 appearances, scoring one goal.
Samb signs his first Short-Term Agreement on the heels of signing an MLS NEXT Pro contract with New York City FC II. After making his Second Team debut in April, the Forward has made 11 starts across 14 appearances, recording two goals and four assists.
Loiola and Samb are available for selection tonight as New York City FC continues its Leagues Cup campaign against Club Necaxa.
Per MLS rules, a Club may sign a player, age 25 or younger during the league season, from its MLS NEXT Pro affiliate to a maximum of four Short-Term Agreements each season. An individual player may be included on up to four MLS league season match rosters each season, however, that player may appear in no more than two MLS league season matches. An individual player may appear in any number of non-league games during the terms of his four Short-Term Agreements.
Transaction: New York City FC Signs Defender João Loiola and Forward El Hadji Samb to Short-Term Agreements from New York City FC II
