Frank Lampard to Complete New York City FC Move Next Week

Reports in England are saying that former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard is on the verge of a move to New York City FC. That announcement could be made as early as next week.

The 36-year-old England international is currently out of contract at the London club.

During his thirteen year career at Chelsea, Lampard became the club’s all-time record goal scorer, won four FA Cups, three Premier League titles; as well as a Europa League and Champions League title.

Lampard was a member of Roy Hodgson’s 23-man World Cup squad in Brazil, but only made one appearance this summer in England’s final match against Costa Rica. It was the 106th cap in the midfielder’s international career and speculation is that it could have been his last.

The former West Ham man gave an interview to BBC Radio Five Live prior to the World Cup and mused on his post-tournament intentions:

“I don’t know whether I will [retire] or not. I am going to get home and make a decision at that point because I have my own [club] future to sort out as well.

“This is not the time and place to make the decision. Sometimes when you are away for a month you don’t always come up with the right judgement.”

Lampard did decide to leave Chelsea shortly after that interview. But as for his retirement from England or a proposed move to New York City FC, fans will have to wait for the player to return from holiday with his fiancee Christine Bleakley.

New York City FC will not start competing in the MLS until March 2015. That means the likelihood is Lampard will spend some time with New York’s sister club Melbourne FC in the coming months.

David Villa completed a move to New York City FC from La Liga champions Atletico Madrid earlier in the summer. Shortly after that announcement, the club announced that the striker would spend next season with Melbourne FC.

The speculation is for Lampard to follow Villa to the last place Australian side.