NYCFC loans out Julián Fernández to CA Rosario Central in Argentina | OneFootball

After what was his best season yet with New York City FC, the club announced on Tuesday that winger Julián Fernández is heading out on loan.  The interest based on his continued potential was not a surprise, but it was a little puzzling when the rumors came out that the Pigeons were considering sending him out on loan with an option to buy.

Originally, the reports said that São Paulo Futebol Clube put in an offer for the Argentine, with the rumors being the loudest for the Brazilian team.  However, Fernández also had interest from Club Atlético Rosario Central in Argentina.  Despite the reported effort to bring him to Brazil, it was CA Rosario Central who won out.

Per NYCFC, the player is leaving on a loan deal that will end in December 2026.  There is also an option to buy, meaning that Fernández might have played his last game for the Boys in Blue.  But it is likely the right move.  Sporting Director Todd Dunivant recognized this.

Julián Fernández’s loan deal might be the right move

He told newyorkcityfc.com, “This loan provides Julián with an important opportunity for increased playing time in a competitive environment.  With Rosario Central competing in the CONMEBOL Libertadores, this move supports his continued development and aligns with Julián’s desire to be closer to home.  We believe this is a positive step for both the player and the Club.”

Truthfully, Fernández has not lived up to his potential since joining in the summer of 2023.  He only scored seven goals and had eight assists in two and a half years in New York City.  He still has the potential to become a star, and he improved under Pascal Jansen in 2025.  There was hope that he would continue to develop in New York and become the player that the team believed he could be.  Alas, that is now not the case.

Maybe the move will be good for him. Fernández might be eager for more minutes than what he could get at NYCFC, and the Argentinian team is offering that.  Or, he might desire a change in scenery.  As a plus, and as the sporting director mentioned, he will be closer to home.

Of course, the big issue about letting him go surrounded the fact that the Queens team needed more attacking help.  The return of Talles Magno might be an answer, but that is not a guarantee.

At least NYCFC is signing a forward, which was needed for Fernández to leave the team.  There are reports that say the club is signing Moussa Sylla, a center-forward who can play on the wings.  He is being signed to replace the goals scored by Alonso Martínez.  He will miss a good portion of the 2026 season due to his ACL tear, so adding Sylla will help his loss and the loan deal of Fernández.  And again, Magno could possibly be his replacement.

At just 21, the Argentine could easily find himself and break out back home in Argentina.  Fans would have loved for him to be successful at NYCFC, but sometimes, that is the beautiful game.  So, best of luck to Fernández.