NYCFC news roundup: Alonso Martínez's recovery and a rumored DP | OneFootball

It has been about the 2026 World Cup over the last few weeks, as fans from all over the world have been able to watch some incredible football. For New York City FC, the USMNT and Australia have been the teams to pay attention to, with Matt Freese playing for the Stars and Stripes and Aiden O'Neill and Kai Trewin playing for the Socceroos. The focus on the biggest tournament in the world will continue as the Round of 32 begins on Sunday.

But there has also been some exciting news for the Boys in Blue. James Sands and the club confirmed his return after his recent loan, while Mitja Ilenič is also back right now.

And, there are other player stories to cover, with a possible big signing on the way. Therefore, let's take a look at the latest NYCFC news roundup.

Alonso Martínez is training again

NYCFC fans miss Alonso Martínez. The striker has been a fan favorite over the last few years and has been vital to the squad. Unquestionably, he has been responsible for winning some games during his tenure with the Pigeons. His talent has been missed on the pitch, and perhaps the team would be slightly higher in the Eastern Conference table, regardless of the defensive issues in 2026, if he had not torn his ACL last fall.

But now, there is some good news: Martínez is training with the team again. Now, he is not fully training with the team, for he is individually training, as based on the photos posted last week. Still, this is a good sign.

There is hope that the Costa Rican will be back sooner rather than later. It would be great if he could return by the end of the summer, which would be about nine to ten months from his injury. But at the same time, the team needs a striker or someone who can play and score there. Nicolás Fernández Mercau has done a decent job, but as it has been mentioned often on this website, he is best utilized on the wings.

Notably, there is a possibility that NYCFC might have found that player.

NYCFC's rumored DP

Reports are stating that the Pigeons are going to sign a new Designated Player. Blick had initially reported that the club is set to sign Bénie Traoré from Fussball Club Basel 1893. Then, Tom Bogert of The Athletic is reporting that NYCFC is "finalizing a deal" and that the forward will be a new DP.

Since he is a forward who can score goals, this is likely the direction the team is going in until Martínez is fully back and ready to go. He was mostly a left-winger in his last season, but he can also play as a right-winger or a striker. Hence, one can assume that he would play as the striker.

At the same time, bringing in a new DP brings up questions. Will Thiago Martins be brought down? Will Tallles Magno be on his way out? Or will the awful rumors about Fernández Mercau actually happen? If that is the case, then maybe fans would not want this move since the Argentine has been a bright light for NYCFC during some tough times this season.