New York City FC intend to hold onto star forward Nicolás Fernández Mercau despite swirling transfer rumors, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.
With just over a week remaining in the MLS summer transfer window, Fernández Mercau is expected to stay at the club barring a massive last-second offer.
Rumors surfaced earlier this summer that NYCFC had already rejected a sizable offer for the Argentine and that the player had requested a move away from New York.
Journalist Germán García Grova first reported on July 21 that Fernández Mercau had informed the club of his intention to be transferred to another team.
That same report indicated NYCFC had turned down a bid worth $18 million, a rejection that reportedly led the striker to decide against renewing his contract with the MLS side.
Over the weekend, multiple reports linked Sporting Kansas City with a bid of up to $25 million for Fernández Mercau, adding further fuel to the speculation around his future.
Sporting Kansas City’s front office is led by former NYCFC sporting director David Lee, which adds an intriguing layer to the reported interest from the Kansas City club.
Despite the noise, a source close to the situation was clear that New York City FC “[doesn’t] want to let him go,” pointing to his role in the club’s broader ambitions.
“Winning comes with Nico Fernández [Mercau],” the source said, underlining the club’s belief that the 26-year-old Argentine is central to their plans going forward.
NYCFC sporting director Todd Dunivant did not confirm or deny the transfer rumors but said the club is “keeping in close communication” with the Argentine forward during the speculation.
Head coach Pascal Jansen similarly sidestepped a direct question about the transfer report after the club’s 2-1 win over the Columbus Crew, redirecting transfer window questions toward Dunivant.
Jansen instead pointed to Fernández Mercau’s performance against Columbus as evidence of the player’s dedication and mental commitment to the project in New York.
“First of all, if you look at the performance from Nico within the team he was playing today – which has been his team for over a year now – you can see where his mind is at,” Jansen said.
Fernández Mercau has been one of the standout performers across all of MLS this season, with his 13 goals tied for third among all players during the regular season campaign.
His tally has drawn comparisons at the top of the scoring charts, with the Argentine level with soccer legend Lionel Messi for goals during this year’s MLS campaign.
Fernández Mercau joined NYCFC during the 2025 summer transfer window and is contracted with the club through 2029, giving New York significant leverage in any potential transfer negotiations.
“He loves the game even after traveling to Columbus, pushing himself to bring the level today again like he did,” Jansen said, reflecting on his forward’s relentless drive and energy.
“And lifting the team to another level as well, and that’s why he chose the project of New York and hopefully we can enjoy Nico for a very long time,” Jansen added.
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