New York City FC today announced that Julián Fernández has left the club to join Club Atlético Rosario Central in Argentina on loan through December 2026, with Rosario Central retaining an option to buy the 21-year-old winger.
Reports have swirled for weeks linking Fernández with a loan-with-option-to-buy move to a club in South America, with both Rosario Central and São Paulo FC in Brazil reportedly interested.
Now the departure of Fernández on loan is official, with the U22 Initiative signing made under former New York City FC Sporting Director David Lee moved along as part of a flurry of moves made by Lee's replacement, Todd Dunivant.
With Maxi Moralez re-signed, Talles Magno welcomed back from loan to re-join the club this preseason, and forward Moussa Sylla set to arrive as another attacking Designated Player, like Nico Fernández Mercau, who can line up on the right-wing, there was no clear path to consistent minutes for Julián, in part because that's not even mentioning other incumbent wing players who might factor into the team's plans, like Fernández's countryman Agustín Ojeda.
Fernández arrived from Vélez Sarsfield in his native Argentina at a cost of a reported $5 million transfer fee in August 2023 and looked poised to become New York City's new starter on the right, flashing his potential at times in the latter parts of the lost 2023 season.
Hudson River Blue Staff
Instead, he never nailed down a starter's role and was more often left out of the lineup by two different New York City FC coaches. Fernández made 77 appearances for New York City across all competitions, scoring seven goals and providing eight assists.
His playing time cratered under former coach Nick Cushing in 2024, and while Pascal Jansen played him in 41 of the team's 43 matches in 2025, he only made the Starting XI on 15 occasions and only saw action in 46.1% of the team's available MLS minutes.
Fernández leaving brings New York City FC down to having just one rostered U22 Initiative player, Ojeda, with Julián and Jovan Mijatović both now unavailable while out on loan. The team has all three Designated Player spots filled with Fernández Mercau, Talles Magno, and now the soon-arriving Moussa Sylla, with Thiago Martins said to be "bought down," possibly through a new contract since the defender is in the final, option year of the DP contract originally signed before the 2022 season.
Below you can read the text of the statement NYCFC shared announcing Fernández's departure which includes some quotes from Todd Dunivant.
NEW YORK – January 27, 2026 – New York City FC today announced that the Club has loaned Forward Julián Fernández to Argentine side CA Rosario Central through December 2026, with an option to buy.
During the 2025 season with the ‘Boys in Blue,’ Fernández made 41 appearances across all competitions scoring three goals and providing five assists in regular season play.
“This loan provides Julián with an important opportunity for increased playing time in a competitive environment,” said Sporting Director Todd Dunivant. “With Rosario Central competing in the CONMEBOL Libertadores, this move supports his continued development and aligns with Julián’s desire to be closer to home. We believe this is a positive step for both the player and the Club.”
Fernández joined New York City FC in August 2023 and has made 77 appearances across all competitions, scoring seven goals and providing eight assists.
