Ivory Coast forward Bénie Traoré has completed a high-profile move to Major League Soccer, signing for New York City FC from Swiss side FC Basel in a long-term deal that underlines the club’s ambition.
The 23-year-old joins NYCFC as a Designated Player, a status reserved for elite signings whose wages sit outside the league’s salary cap, highlighting the importance placed on him within the club’s long-term project.
New York City FC confirmed that Traoré has signed a contract running through the 2029/2030 season, with an option to extend for a further year until 2030/2031.
He will officially join the squad once he receives his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 visa.
The forward arrives in the United States after two productive seasons with FC Basel, where he established himself as a key attacking figure.
During his time in Switzerland, Traoré made 80 appearances across all competitions, scoring 25 goals and registering 15 assists.
His performances also included experience in the Swiss Super League, Swiss Cup and UEFA Europa League, adding European pedigree to his profile.
At international level, Traoré has already begun to make his mark with the Ivory Coast national team.
He has earned seven caps and provided two assists, featuring in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Zambia and Sierra Leone in 2024.
He has also appeared in international friendlies against South Korea and Scotland in 2026.
His growing reputation has also seen him included in Ivory Coast’s preliminary squad list ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, reflecting his rising status within the national setup.
Traoré’s move also represents the latest step in a career that has taken him across several European leagues.
Developed at ASEC Mimosas in Ivory Coast, he has previously played for BK Häcken in Sweden, Sheffield United in England, FC Nantes in France, and most recently FC Basel in Switzerland.
The switch to MLS marks his first experience in North American football.
For New York City FC, the signing is viewed as a significant addition to their attacking options, with the club identifying him as one of the 11 Designated Players in its history.
The role typically signals a central figure in both sporting and commercial plans, and Traoré is expected to carry considerable responsibility within the squad.
His arrival also continues a trend of MLS clubs targeting young, internationally experienced players from Europe and Africa, blending development potential with proven output.
Once his paperwork is completed, Traoré will link up with his new teammates in New York, where expectations will be high for him to make an immediate impact in one of the league’s most high-profile franchises.
