The mystery surrounding New York City FC star Nicolas Fernandez Mercau’s future at the club has deepened following the emergence of fresh transfer rumours.
Journalist German Garcia Grova reported that Fernandez Mercau had told New York City FC he wanted a transfer out of the club this summer window.
The same report indicated that NYCFC had rejected an $18 million bid from an unnamed club for the Argentine forward’s services.
According to the report, that rejected offer led to Fernandez Mercau deciding he does not want to renew his contract with the MLS side.
It was never specified which club or league had submitted the offer for the NYCFC star, adding further intrigue to the situation.
Fernandez Mercau joined NYCFC last summer during the transfer window and is currently under contract through 2029.
Head coach Pascal Jansen sidestepped questions about the report following the club’s 2-1 win over the Columbus Crew on Wednesday night, directing transfer enquiries to sporting director Todd Dunivant.
Jansen instead pointed to Fernandez Mercau’s display against Columbus as evidence of the player’s state of mind during this uncertain period.
“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.
“He had a tremendous performance, a huge impact on today’s game,” the NYCFC head coach added, keen to stress the forward’s ongoing commitment on the pitch.
Dunivant did not confirm or deny the transfer rumours but said the club is “keeping in close communication” with the Argentinian forward amid the ongoing speculation.
The sporting director expressed confidence that Fernandez Mercau will still be at the club by the time NYCFC’s new stadium opens its doors.
Fernandez Mercau has been in outstanding form this season, scoring 13 goals to share the lead in the MLS goalscorer standings.
The forward has also found the net three times across three games since MLS action resumed following the World Cup break, underlining his importance to the club.
