Nicolás Fernández Mercau Clarifies Commitment to NYCFC

Nicolás Fernández Mercau has emphasized that his preference is to remain with New York City FC, despite some summer transfer rumors suggesting he might leave.

In an interview with The Post, he asserted that he “had the final decision” regarding his future at the club. “I know there were terms agreed upon between two clubs, but ultimately, it was my choice, made with my family, to stay here,” Fernández Mercau stated, speaking through a translator after a training session on Wednesday. “I’m really happy here. This is my place. At the same time, I feel like an important part of the team, which enhances my desire to be here.”

While he didn’t specify which team NYCFC had negotiated with, reports indicated that the club received a $25 million transfer offer from Sporting Kansas City before the transfer window closed this month. Fernández Mercau mentioned he didn’t feel “it was time” to leave and highlighted that, at 26 years old, his ambition is to make the Argentina national team. “There’s still a lot I need to improve to reach that level,” he acknowledged. “But if I remain focused on my game, that will be the logical next step in my career.”

There’s no denying that Fernández Mercau has been dedicated to developing his skills, as he’s emerged as one of the key players for NYCFC. With 15 goals in the regular season, he ranks third in scoring across MLS. His recent goal against Salt Lake City helped the team secure its first regular-season victory since July 25 against Chicago.

As NYCFC prepares for Friday’s Hudson River Derby against the Red Bulls, sustaining this positive momentum will be vital. Both teams are vying for crucial points in the Eastern Conference standings.

The Red Bulls are currently in 10th place, just under the playoff cut-off, while NYCFC sits in eighth position and would find themselves in a single-elimination wild-card match if the season ended now.

“It’s a derby, it’s emotional, and it means a lot to our fans on both sides,” NYCFC head coach Pascal Jansen reflected. “It’s going to be an intense matchup regardless of the circumstances. For us, it’s crucial to remain composed, keep control, and follow the plan we’ve set.”