Justin Haak’s days with New York City FC seem to be over

Rising star and Brooklyn native Justin Haak seems to be at the end of his time with New York City FC. 

Talks between Haak and the club broke down and it is “unlikely” that he is back for the 2026 season, amNewYork reported on Monday.

Haak’s contract was up after the 2025 campaign, which saw NYCFC reach the Eastern Conference Finals, and following the end of the season, the club said that it remained in talks with the homegrown player about his future. 

Justin Haak #80 of New York City controls the ball during the Conference Semifinal match with the Philadelphia Union. Getty Images

Monday’s report indicated that New York City FC was undervaluing Haak compared to the growing number of clubs interested in the 24-year-old’s services.

In all, it’s said that at least 16 clubs from Major League Soccer, six from the EFL Championship – England’s second division of soccer – and two German Bundesliga clubs have expressed interest in Haak. 

Last month, Haak told The Post that contract talks between his reps and the club “have been getting better.” 

“It started off slow, I would say, but since the season’s been going well as well, I feel like it’s picked up a little bit,” he said. 

It’s unclear how much the two sides have talked since NYCFC was eliminated from the playoffs by Inter Miami late last month, or what role incoming sporting director Todd Dunivant has played in them since his first official day won’t be until the new year. 

Haak appeared in 35 matches for New York City FC in 2025 and recorded a goal during the campaign, while also finding the only goal in the club’s loss in Miami. 

He had also developed a strong relationship with head coach Pascal Jaansen during the course of the season. 

Haak had been a bright light for New York City FC’s academy program as the Brooklyn-born footballer developed through the club system before becoming the sought-after talent that he is now.