The Nicolás Fernández Mercau rumors will not go away; NYCFC must keep him | OneFootball

Since joining New York City FC last summer, Nicolás Fernández Mercau has turned into a star for NYCFC. His ability on the ball is entertaining to watch. He can play in multiple positions, making him a valuable member of the attack, and he scores goals. He is best utilized on the wings or as an attacking midfielder, but he has also filled in well for the injured Alonso Martínez as a center-forward.

However, since the spring, rumors and reports of clubs being interested in the Argentine have crept into the shadows. At first, it was interest from European teams, and normally, the argument to let players go to Europe would be used. For teams in Major League Soccer, there is still a way to go for top players to play here in their prime. If there is an opportunity to play in a top league across the pond, then teams should let players go.

Do not sell Nicolás Fernández Mercau, NYCFC

With Fernández Mercau, the argument is that he came from Europe, and he wanted to be a part of the NYCFC project. With a need to build for the future, it was thought that he should not be sold. And now, there are other teams interested in him, with reports of an offer having circulated on social media.

Germán García Grova of TyC Sports is reporting that NYCFC received an offer of about $18 million for Fernández Mercau. He stated that the club sees the Argentine as being worth $25 million, indicating they would not sell for anything less. The team interested in him was not named, but teams in Europe, Argentina, and Brazil could easily pay that amount if they see the winger as a marquee signing. And, since the journalist focuses more on this side of the pond, one can assume that it was a team in South America.

$25 million is all well and good, and normally, it would be easier to accept such a move even if the club had someone else lined up. But the issue is that Fernández Mercau has become a star for the Pigeons. He has turned into the player to build around. Letting him go elsewhere would not be a great move, especially with the club about to open Etihad Park next summer.

Hence, this is the time to turn NYCFC into a powerhouse club. Of course, it is vital to be smart with the salary cap, but as seen with Inter Miami CF, clearly there are ways to get around these restrictions in a legal manner. Plus, City Football Group can afford the more expensive players. In fact, if needed, Fernández Mercau's contract could be adjusted.

Now, García Grova is a well-respected sports journalist. Clearly, somebody has an interest, and perhaps the European clubs are paying attention as well. Setting a value shows that NYCFC is willing to sell for the right price. But the club should not even think of this at this time. The Argentine is needed right now, and selling this summer could harm the team's quest to improve in the second half of the season.

So, NYCFC, please do not even think of selling Fernández Mercau. Keep him, especially through the first season at Etihad Park. Down the road, maybe this is something to discuss. But not now.