League News

Before suiting up for New York City FC, David Villa will play for newly branded Melbourne City FC

Before he takes the field with New York City FC for their inaugural season in 2015, forward David Villa will play for NYCFC's sister club -- the one down under, that is.


The newly rebranded Melbourne City FC announced on Wednesday that Villa will play for the club in the A-League from October to December 2014, prior to the start of the MLS season.

City Football Group, which also owns New York City FC and Manchester City FC, purchased a majority ownership share in Melbourne City FC in January. Prior to the rebranding announcement, also on Wednesday, the club was previously known as Melbourne Heart FC, and finished in last place during the 2013-14 season.


The arrangement with Villa marks the first player movement between clubs in the ownership group. The release concerning the news does not indicate whether the move is officially a loan from NYCFC to Melbourne City, nor does it indicate a specific acquisition method for the striker, who is currently with the Spanish national team and will be going to the World Cup this month with La Roja.