New York City have signed midfielder Keaton Parks to a three-year contract extension, keeping him at the club through the 2026 Major League Soccer season with an option for 2027 and 2028.

The new deal comes after Parks enjoyed a successful 2023 season with the Eastern Conference side, as he managed 30 starts in 32 appearances while bagging two goals and two assists. Even though NYC missed out on the postseason, Parks was one of the lone bright spots from the previous term.

“I am delighted that Keaton has extended his contract, which will keep him in New York for years to come,” NYC sporting director David Lee said in a release.

“Keaton has been a hugely important player for us over several years, becoming a key piece not only in our midfield but also for our team and brings such a unique skillset to the pitch. Entering the best years of his career, Keaton has consistently become one of the best midfielders in the league and is someone we wanted to reward and make sure that he stayed with the Club.”

Parks originally joined the Blues in February 2019 on loan from Portuguese side Benfica, registering three goals in 26 appearances in his first campaign as a NYCFC player before joining permanently in January 2020 for a transfer fee just shy of $1m.

The 26-year-old central midfielder has tallied 14 goals and six assists in 152 showings (fourth-most in team history) for New York City across all competitions and was key to their 2021 MLS Cup victory as well as Campeones Cup triumph in 2022.

“I couldn’t be happier to extend my stay with New York City. It’s a club and city that have welcomed me and my family with open arms and now holds a dear place in my heart,” Parks added.

“The last five years have been amazing through all the ups and downs. Helping this Club win trophies is something that I will always remember. I look forward to continuing to work hard and lead by example to help this team achieve its goals this season and beyond.”

Parks departed Benfica after suiting up 42 times while scoring seven goals and dishing out seven assists for the Portuguese champions from 2017/18 – 2018/19. Before his time with the Liga Portugal giants, Parks spent one season with Varzim in 2016/17.

NYCFC open up their 2024 MLS season on the road at Bank of America Stadium vs Charlotte FC on February 24.