Nicolás Fernández Mercau wanted to make it clear that New York City FC was where he wanted to be, despite rumors during the summer transfer window that suggested otherwise.
The NYCFC star told The Post he “had the final decision at the end of the day” when asked to clarify the rumors he wanted to leave the club.
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“I know there was mutually agreed terms between two clubs, but at the end of the day, it’s a decision that I made with my family to stay here,” Fernández Mercau said through a translator after training Wednesday. “I’m really happy here. This is where I want to be. But also at the same time, I am an important figure at the team and that helps me mentally to want to [be] here as well.”
New York City FC midfielder Nicolas Fernandez Mercau (7) dribbles against Necaxa during the first half of the Leagues Cup Phase One match at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, NJ, on Thursday, August 13, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
While the star striker did not name the team NYCFC had agreed to terms with on a deal, it had been reported NYCFC had accepted a $25 million transfer offer from Sporting Kansas City before the summer transfer window closed earlier this month. Fernández Mercau explained he did not feel “it was time” for him to move on and that at 26 years old, his next goal is making the Argentina national team.
“Obviously there’s still a lot in my game that I need to grow to get to that level,” he said. “But as long as I focus on what I need to do, that would be the next step in my career.”
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But Fernández Mercau made it a point to say several times that he was “happy” to be with NYCFC during the conversation with The Post, noting at one point that he “wants to continue here in the future.”
Even with the rumors swirling, Fernández Mercau has maintained focus on his game and his role as one of NYCFC’s most important players. With 15 regular season goals, he’s tied for third in scoring across MLS, and his goal against Real Salt Lake on Saturday helped his club get its first regular season win since July 25 against Chicago.
Nicolas Fernandez Mercau (7) of New York City Football Club looks on during the second half of a game against the New England Revolution at Citi Field in New York, Sept. 9, 2026. Getty Images
“My focus was always to be here in New York. Obviously, that’s soccer, you’re always gonna get transfer rumors and clubs that want you,” he said. “I put that all to the side and have always been focused here. But it’s not just the last couple of weeks, it’s ever since I got here. My mentality has always been to be present. I’m happy here and obviously you can see through my performances and the results.”
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NYCFC will need to keep the momentum going following their win over Real Salt Lake as they head into Friday’s Hudson River Derby against the Red Bulls, with both clubs looking for points in the Eastern Conference standings.
The Red Bulls sit in 10th, just outside postseason positioning, while NYCFC are eighth and would have to play a single-elimination wild-card match if the season ended today.
“It’s a derby, it’s emotional, and it means a lot to our fans on both sides,” NYCFC head coach Pascal Jansen said. “It’s going to be an intense game no matter what. For us, it’s mainly about making sure we keep a cool head, keep things under control, stick to the plan we make.”
