NYCFC tries Swede move to rebuild ‘D’

After gutting much of their defense from last season, New York City FC have started rebuilding.

The club announced Wednesday it had signed Swedish international right back Anton Tinnerholm as a free agent from powerhouse Malmo.

“As soon as I heard NYCFC was interested, I really wanted to join,” Tinnerholm told the team’s website. “I spoke to [coach] Patrick [Vieira] and there are ambitions to go and win the title and I’m a player who always wants to play in a top team.”

The 26-year-old appeared in 28 matches for Malmo in 2017, notching five goals while being awarded top defender honors in the Allsvenskan, Sweden’s top division.

He brings a checklist of experience, including winning back-to-back titles with Malmo and playing in the Champions League in 2015 against top world clubs.

“What I like about Anton as a footballer is that he can play on his own in the corridor on the right side or with someone in front of him,” Vieira said. “He gives us options to play differently at the back … I strongly believe he will be a really good addition.”

NYCFC parted with defenders RJ Allen, Frederic Brillant, Ethan White, Andraz Struna and Shannon Gomez in November, but could bring them back.

“I’m really looking forward to the season,” Tinnerholm said. “I’m used to winning in Sweden and hopefully I can now do the same thing in the United States.”