Fernández Mercau Makes NYCFC History With Five-Game Scoring Streak, Attracts European Interest

No player in New York City FC history has ever scored five goals in five consecutive matches. Until now. Nicolás Fernández Mercau has accomplished that feat while operating in an unfamiliar role—deployed as a makeshift striker despite being a natural midfielder.

The 26-year-old from Argentina joined NYCFC as a designated player from Spanish side Elche CF last summer. What began as an injury-necessitated tactical adjustment has evolved into one of the most captivating storylines of the early Major League Soccer campaign. With regular striker Alonso Martínez unavailable through injury, manager Pascal Jansen repositioned Fernández Mercau into what he playfully describes as a "9 ½" role. The gamble has paid dividends beyond expectation—a two-goal performance against Colorado, third position in the Golden Boot standings, and a new club milestone.

Embracing the unfamiliar with midfielder's intelligence

The truly fascinating aspect of Fernández Mercau's hot streak extends beyond mere statistics. He's not attempting to mimic a traditional centre-forward. Instead, he's leveraging his midfielder's brain—intelligent runs, intricate link-up play, aggressive forechecking—to execute the striker's duties. It's a fundamentally different approach, and one that creates unique problems for opposing defences.

"Obviously, this is a new role for me, but I'm feeling very comfortable in it," Fernández Mercau explained through an interpreter. "I'm not changing my approach. It's still about putting in the hard yards."

Jansen recognized this potential early on. "I sensed this capability when we first spoke back in [2025] while he was still in Argentina," the NYCFC boss remarked. "He's exceeded expectations for everyone at this club."

Portuguese giants reportedly monitoring situation

Exceptional performances in MLS inevitably attract attention from abroad, and Fernández Mercau's current form is no exception. During the recent international window, reports surfaced connecting him with Portuguese powerhouses Sporting CP and SL Benfica ahead of a possible summer transfer.

While Jansen claimed ignorance of any formal approaches, he didn't dismiss the possibility outright. "Quality performances generate interest—that's the reality of professional football," he noted. "Interest exists when it exists. If clubs come knocking, we'll address it when the time arrives."

For those monitoring NYCFC's season trajectory and betting markets, this represents a significant variable. A squad relying heavily on a player in such prolific form—who might depart mid-season—presents vastly different prospects than one guaranteed his services through the entire campaign.

Fernández Mercau himself remained diplomatically focused. "This is football and rumours are constant. My job is to concentrate on what I need to accomplish."

It's the appropriate response. However, interest from Portugal's elite clubs won't evaporate simply because he deflected the question.