NYCFC signs Nico Fernández to Designated Player contract

New York City FC has a new Designated Player: Earlier today, the club is announced the signing of Nicolás "Nico" Fernández, an attacking midfielder who helped Elche CF win promotion to La Liga in Spain.

Fernández is signed through 2029, and will be the ninth Designated Player in club history. He will wear the #7 jersey for NYCFC.

Hudson River Blue first reported the rumored transfer on July 6. Officially, Fernández will be able to join the team on July 24, when the Major League Soccer summer transfer window opens.

New York City didn't disclose the terms of the deal, but earlier reports indicated that Elche will earn a club-record transfer fee for Fernández. That would put the fee NYCFC pays for Fernández north of $8.4 million, to go by Elche's history on Transfermarkt.

Who is Nico Fernández?

Born in Buenos Aires, the 25-year-old Fernández joined Elche in 2022 after coming up through the academy at San Lorenzo de Almagro. The left-footed player is listed at 5' 6", and he is coming off his most productive year at Elche, when he scored six goals and added eight assists. His 14 goal contributions were joint-best on the team as they finished the season in Second Place in La Liga 2 behind Levante UD, earning automatic promotion to La Liga.

As we reported in HRB earlier this week, Fernández primarily plays as an attacking midfielder on the left side of the field, much like former Designated Player Santíago Rodríguez, who left NYCFC for Botofago in Brazil's Serie A at the start of the season for a transfer fee that could reportedly reach $17 million. Fernández has also played at left-back, wingback, and striker.

Nico Fernández | Player Traits

According to FotMob, Fernández excels in controlling the ball and creating chances. "As the trainings go on and the more conversations I have with the coach, the more and more I'll know my role on the team," Fernández said according to the New York Post. "I'm here to fight for my place on the team."

9th Designated Player in club history

Fernández will be just the ninth Designated Player in club history, and the fourth signed by David Lee, the current sporting director.

New York City FC | Designated Players

* Currently on loan to SC Corinthians
✝ On loan 2021-23

Lee signed Rodríguez to a DP contract in 2023 after the midfielder returned to Montevideo City in Uruguay at the end of his loan to NYCFC. Lee also brought on current club captain Thiago Martins from Yokohama F. Marinos in 2022, and Talles Magno from CR Vasco de Gama in 2021. Talles Magno is currently on loan SC Corinthinas.

Official Statement from New York City FC

New York City FC Acquires Midfielder Nicolás Fernández Mercau from Elche CF as a Designated Player 

NEW YORK – July 11, 2025 – New York City FC today announce that it has acquired Midfielder Nicolás Fernández Mercau as a Designated Player from Spanish side Elche CF on a contract through 2029. 

The 25-year-old Midfielder becomes the Club’s tenth Designated Player and will join the team pending receipt of his ITC and P-1 Visa once the transfer window opens on July 24. 

The Argentine joins New York City after spending three seasons with Elche CF where he made 97 appearances, scoring 11 goals and providing 12 assists across LaLiga, LaLiga 2 and the Copa del Rey. This past season, Fernández Mercau played a key role in helping Elche get promoted to the LaLiga, co-leading the team in goal contributions in LaLiga 2 and serving as the outright leader in all competitions with 17 total goal contributions. 
“We’re really excited to welcome Nicolás to New York City. Nicolás is an attacking midfielder who plays with intensity, possesses excellent technical ability, and contributes in both the attack and defense,” said Sporting Director David Lee. “Nicolás already has experience in two highly competitive leagues and has shown he can perform consistently at a high level, most recently helping Elche CF earn promotion to LaLiga. He is arriving at a perfect age to impact the roster in both the short- and long-term and will add quality and depth to our roster. We look forward to integrating Nicolás into the team as we continue our push through the second half of the season.” 

Fernández Mercau made his professional debut with his boyhood club San Lorenzo de Almagro in Argentina and went on to make 50 appearances, scoring two goals and tallying three assists across all competitions including the Copa Sudamericana.  

"I’m very excited and happy to join New York City FC. Joining this Club is a big step in my career and a beautiful challenge that I welcome. I know the league is growing a lot and I am really looking forward to being a part of it and showing I’m ready for the opportunity,” said Midfielder Nicolás Fernández Mercau. “I would describe myself as a player who enjoys having the ball, attacking, and getting into goal-scoring positions. I love the game and try to bring that joy onto the pitch, whether that means going forward or helping the team defensively when things get tough. For me, it’s all about staying connected with my teammates and doing everything I can to help the team succeed. I look forward to meeting and playing in front of the fans. I hope to earn their trust and will give everything I have every time I step onto the field." 

Everyone at the Club welcomes Nicolás to New York City FC.  

Transaction: New York City FC acquires Midfielder Nicolás Fernández Mercau from Elche CF as a Designated Player on a contract through 2029. 

Name: Nicolás Fernández Mercau 
Date of Birth: January 11, 2000 
Birthplace: Buenos Aires, Argentina 
Position: Midfielder 
Height: 5’ 6” 

Note: An earlier version of this article included a reference to a leaked article from the New York Post that was later taken down.