New York City FC has officially signed Nicolás Fernández Mercau from Elche CF as a Designated Player (DP)through 2029, pending his P-1 visa and ITC.
He will be eligible to play starting July 24, once the summer transfer window opens.
The transfer fee is around €8 million, making it Elche’s most expensive outgoing transfer ever. San Lorenzo, his original club, will also receive financial compensation due to sell-on clauses.
Born: January 11, 2000 – Buenos Aires, Argentina
Height: 1.72m (5’8″)
Preferred positions: Primarily an attacking midfielder, but has played as left winger, left-back, and wing-back.
Style: A left-footed, technical player with flair, creativity, and high work rate.
San Lorenzo (2018–2022)
- Made 50+ first-team appearances
- Played mostly as a left-back or wide midfielder
- Became known for his intelligent positioning and ball control
Elche CF (2022–2025)
- 97 appearances, 11 goals, 12 assists in all competitions
- In 2024–25 (last season), he had his best season:
- 6 goals + 8 assists in Spain’s second division
- Key player in helping Elche win promotion back to LaLiga
Nicolás Fernández Mercau is a high-upside, versatile midfielder who brings technical quality, attacking spark, and strong work ethic. He arrives in NYC with a big role to play — not just as a playmaker, but potentially as a leader in the next chapter of NYCFC’s project under coach Pascal Jansen.
