TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing
New York City FC have signed defender Vuk Latinovich to a contract through 2021 with option years through 2024, the club announced Thursday.
He was originally selected in the third round (71st overall) of the 2021 MLS SuperDraft after playing for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, then impressed enough in preseason to earn a deal.
āI couldnāt be more excited to have signed with NYCFC,ā Latinovich, 23, said in a release. āThe players and staff have created a great environment and Iām so happy and grateful to be a part of it now. Iām thankful for the opportunity to sign a contract here and Iām ready to give my all to the club.ā
Latinovich earned First Team All-Horizon League honors in 2019 while at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. His 2020 season was then canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
āEveryone was impressed with the way he integrated into the team while putting in good performances during trainings and the friendly matches,ā sporting director David Lee said in a release. āSigning an MLS contract is a testament to his hard work this preseason and we hope he can continue his development during his time at NYCFC.ā
Before joining the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Latinovich spent three years playing for Serbian side FK Brodarac. Heās also earned a call-up to Serbiaās U-18 national team.
āIām really proud of the way Vuk performed this preseason and he brought a high work ethic onto the pitch every day,ā head coach Ronny Deila said in a release. āVuk has big potential, and we want to help develop him further.ā