The Argentine player was sold from Elche to City Group for a reported fee close to $10 million
Nicolás Fernández Mercau helped Elche earn promotion back to LaLiga, Spain’s top division. But after 79 matches with the , he opted for the challenge of moving to MLS. It was a record-breaking transfer for the Spanish side, reported to be higher than $8 million, the previous record sale. For Fernández Mercau, the reasons behind the 25-year-old's move are simple.
"The league is very competitive now. There are a lot of big names playing here. Right now, I belong to New York City, and I need to focus on the team and on myself," Nico told GOAL.
In a league featuring stars like Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Wilfried Zaha, Fernández Mercau is aiming to make a name for himself in the league.
"I think I’ll give my best. Expectations are high. If they trust me, I’ll return that trust on the field," he said.
Moving to one of the most important cities in the world was also a factor in his decision to leave Europe, the Argentine revealed.
"It’s important, yes. I think it’s a beautiful, very big city that has basically everything. But I’m from Buenos Aires, which is also a big city with lots of things going on. So I relate to it easily. I feel very comfortable."
NYCFC's newest star and the club's first designated signing in over two years spoke with GOAL about his decision to leave a La Liga-bound club to join Pascal Jansen's side and what his expectations are for the rest of the season.
Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty Images SportSouth American vibes in the Big Apple
Fernández Mercau is moving to a city and country he's never lived in before, playing in a new league with different rules and roster setups than what he's previously used to, which would normally be an adjustment for some, but he enters a unique situation with
Luckily for the former San Lorenzo man, there are a lot of Latin Americans – mostly South Americans – on the squad. There are fellow Argentinians at NYCFC – Maxi Moralez and Agustín Ojeda – with whom Nico has already shared meals and mate, one of Argentina’s most cherished traditions.
"On my first day, the guys gave me a warm welcome. We had some mate, which is our tradition, and chatted about everything. They told me the club and the city are beautiful, and that I’ll feel really good here," he said.
NYCFC’s squad also includes Colombian Andrés Perea and Costa Rican striker Alonso Martínez, who should make Nico’s adjustment easier despite not speaking much English yet.
"It helps that they’re Latin and speak almost the same language," he said. "Concerns? No, I don’t think so. I’m in good shape…I’ll try to be 100 percent ready so I can earn my spot on the team and compete."
AdvertisementNYCFCWhere Fernández Mercau fits
Fernández Mercau's arrival should serve as a boost to Jansen, as NYCFC have struggled with inconsistency throughout the 2025 season – currently sitting seventh in the East. The club hopes he will provide a spark in the attack, as it currently sits 20th in the league with 27 goals.
His attacking instinct, technique, and ability to join the attack caught the eye of the City Football Group – the global ownership group that also runs clubs like Manchester City, Girona, and NYCFC.
"I feel comfortable as an attacking midfielder, but I’ll play wherever the coach needs me. I’m not here to say where I should play — but that’s my position."
Fernández Mercau joined Elche from San Lorenzo in September 2022 and was a regular starter, even after the team’s relegation to the Segunda División. During his time with the he progressively got better with each season. He went from having a one-goal season in his initial campaign in La Liga to having a six-goal, eight-assist season last campaign in the Segunda Division. He clearly had the talent to remain in Spain as his strong campaign helped Elche return to La Liga, finishing second with 77 points.
"I’ll try to contribute from wherever I’m needed and do my best for the team. It’s a bit hard being away from family and loved ones. But this is my profession, and I need to be focused and give my best wherever I am," he said.
NYCFCFollowing a legend
In his new chapter in the Big Apple, Fernández Mercau will wear the No. 7 jersey – the same number initially worn by David Villa, one of the club’s legends and its first-ever signing when NYCFC was founded in 2014.
Getty Images SportThe anticipated debut
The MLS transfer window doesn’t open until July 24, meaning the Argentine player could make his debut on July 25 when NYCFC visits FC Dallas. In the meantime, the New York side will face Charlotte FC away this Saturday.