New York City FC is maintaining a tight-lipped approach regarding transfer rumors surrounding star striker Nicolás Fernández Mercau. Sporting director Todd Dunivant stated he would not "comment on specific conversations" when questioned about whether Fernández Mercau or his representative had expressed a desire to leave the club.
Dunivant indicated that the club is actively engaged in numerous discussions and maintains "close communication" with the player. "We obviously are making sure that we’re doing right by the club first and foremost because he’s our player," Dunivant said. "But it’s important to keep him in close communication so that we can be honest and transparent about everything that’s going on. And we’ll continue to do that with him throughout all of it."
The sporting director addressed the speculation during a media event at the club's Manhattan headquarters. Earlier reports from journalist Germán García Grova indicated that Fernández Mercau had communicated his desire for a transfer and that NYCFC had rejected a significant offer for the player. Neither head coach Pascal Jansen nor Dunivant has explicitly refuted these reports.
Interest from other clubs in Fernández Mercau is not surprising given his performance this season. His 13 goals are currently tied for the most in Major League Soccer, surpassing Lionel Messi's total of 12. Fernández Mercau has scored in each of NYCFC's last three matches since the World Cup break concluded.
"It’s something to manage, and it’s something that we’re in close contact with him about," Dunivant commented on the player's performance amid transfer speculation. "You’ve seen he’s come back ever since that. We’ve had three games. He scored in every single game, so it shows his ability to manage his mindset, which isn’t an easy thing to do when there’s things that are out there and other things that are being talked about in the world. Credit to him for showing up and performing under those types of circumstances."
NYCFC is set to play three Leagues Cup matches over the upcoming week.