Nicolás Fernández described the decision to join New York City FC as a “no-brainer” as he stood near the Top of The Rock observation deck at the Rockefeller Center during a promotional shoot for his arrival at his new club.
The newest member of NYCFC was getting his first taste of his new home earlier this week as the team prepared to roll out its latest signing.
NYCFC made it official Friday that the 25-year-old Argentinian attacking midfielder would become a member of the club as a Designated Player, making the jump from Elche CF in Spain. In an exclusive conversation, Fernández told The Post he had been “really struck by how interested” NYCFC had been in him.
“I wanted to come and be part of this challenge and a new challenge in my career,” he said, “be part of this club and I’ve been really excited for this move.”
Fernández will join a squad that has held a playoff position for most of the regular season in its first year under new head coach Pascal Jansen. But when it comes to goal scoring, NYCFC has been in the middle of the pack.
Its 27 goals scored this season rank 20th among MLS teams, and its expected goals sit at 33.38, which is 17th in the league.
Fernández is coming off a breakout season with Elche in which he helped the club attain promotion to La Liga for next season. He scored a career-best six goals during the 2024-25 campaign, and his 14 goal contributions — goals and assists combined — were the best of any player on the team last season.
“I bring a lot of fight and grit to the team,” Fernández said. “I like to attack, I like to go forward, so it’s something that I wanted to help. I like to keep possession, so being a little bit more offensive and helping the team on the attacking end.”
Where exactly he’ll fit into NYCFC’s scheme is unclear, though there is some thought he could fill the hole left by Santiago Rodríguez, who departed the club earlier this year to join Brazil Série A side Botafogo.
Fernández primarily played attacking midfield or winger during his time with Elche, but also has played as a left back and wingback. Though the Argentine said he hasn’t had too many conversations yet with Jansen, he said he wasn’t coming into the club with a set role.
“As the trainings go on and the more conversations that I have with coach, the more and more I’ll know my role on the team,” he said. “I’m here to fight for my place on the team. No place is given to anybody. Really looking forward to competing for my teammates and earning my spot on the team.”
Fernández will be available to debut when the MLS summer transfer window opens July 24, though it wasn’t immediately clear when he will take the pitch for his new club.
New York City FC is in the midst of a lengthy stretch on the road that will keep it away from Yankee Stadium and Citi Field — both of which serve as the club’s home stadiums until its permanent home is completed at Willets Point in 2027.
That sets the stage for Fernández’s potential debut coming when NYCFC finally returns home in August.
