Rumors have continued to swirl around New York City FC star Nicolás Fernández Mercau regarding his future with the club.
But with a little more than a week left in the MLS summer transfer window, Fernández Mercau is expected to remain with NYCFC barring a massive last-second offer, a source with knowledge of the situation told The Post. Rumors had started earlier this summer after a report surfaced that NYCFC had turned down a sizable offer for Fernández Mercau and that the player had requested a transfer out of the Big Apple.
Fernández Mercau has become a star with NYCFC since the club brought him in during the 2025 summer transfer window, and his 13 goals this season are tied for third among all MLS players during the regular season. While the rumors have raised questions, the source insisted that New York City FC “[doesn’t] want to let him go” and that, as part of the club’s commitment to winning, the 26-year-old Argentine footballer fits into that plan.
“Winning comes with Nico Fernández [Mercau],” the source said.
Club officials have all but confirmed the interest in Fernández Mercau during various meetings with the media but have not outright commented on the conversations they’ve had with the star. Journalist Germán García Grova first reported July 21 that the NYCFC star had told the club of his intention to be transferred.
And over the weekend, multiple reports indicated that Sporting Kansas City — a team whose front office is led by former NYCFC sporting director David Lee — had made a bid for Fernández Mercau worth up to $25 million.
NYCFC officials have not been surprised by the interest in the star striker considering his success in MLS.
Sporting director Todd Dunivant told The Post and amNewYork earlier this month that the club was “having a lot of” conversations with Fernández Mercau and the parties were “keeping in close communication.”
Despite the rumblings, Fernández Mercau’s play on the pitch has remained impressive.
Following the World Cup break, Fernández Mercau scored goals in three straight games, and while he doesn’t have a goal since July 31, he has recorded assists in NYCFC’s last four matches between the regular season and Leagues Cup.
Fernández Mercau has been happy to be with the team, the source said. The NYCFC striker has not been made available to the media since the reports surfaced.
Dunivant did praise Fernández Mercau’s ability to continue his strong play despite the off-field noise, giving him credit for “showing up and performing under those types of circumstances.”
