3 essential players NYCFC should not transfer out this offseason

Just a season ago, New York City FC faced off against Inter Miami CF in the 2025 MLS Eastern Conference Finals, and although they suffered a devastating 5-1 defeat, that run at least provided a sense of optimism for the future and the direction the leadership was pushing the club towards.

Fast forward to a season later. The Pigeons sit in 12th place in the Eastern Conference standings, with a disappointing record of 9-12-11 resulting in 38 points, a far cry from even sniffing playoff contention or even playoff qualification. With injuries to the squad’s midfield, lackluster attacking progression, and their infuriating ability to give up leads late in games to opponents, all have been ingredients in their recipe for a disastrous season.

But amongst all the devastation, three players this season have shown on the pitch why they should return for the 2027 Major League Soccer Sprint Season and beyond. Which NYCFC players should the team keep and not transfer out this offseason?

NYCFC players who should stay

1. Bénie Traoré

Bénie Traoré officially signed with NYCFC on June 29 of this year on a deal that sees him with the club until the 2029/2030 season. He was signed after the team’s ongoing struggles with designating and finding a proper striker who fits the club’s attacking needs.

Nicolás Fernández Mercau was commanding in the role, playing as a false nine at times, until the signing of the newest Designated Player. However, he had his own individual limitations.

Although Traoré has not had the most star-studded goal-scoring campaign thus far, scoring only two goals in the 17 regular-season matches that he has played, he must be given the benefit of the doubt. He is still acclimating himself to a new system after leaving his former Swiss club, FC Basel 1893.

One can argue that even though, generally and conceptually, the striker role is the same across soccer, every team has their own tactical nuances, rhythms, and variations that players need to learn to adapt their game in order to be successful. To truly understand what a player like Traoré is capable of, he needs time to settle down and evolve with the team. This is why he should not be traded or sold this offseason.

Agustín Ojeda

Agustín Ojeda has had a standout season for NYCFC this campaign, with five goals and 10 assists in 32 regular-season games. The Argentine makes it clear on the pitch that he is an essential part of this team. He is the type of player who allows the game to come to him with a natural offensive approach, creating space, picking out his runs, and making the most of his chances when the opportunity arises.

He has an innate ability to thread passes with expert precision, often creating a tandem with his teammate Talles Magno. He has also been a major contributor this year. For example, on March 9, Ojeda scored the opening goal in a 5-0 win against Orlando City SC. He then found the back of the net again in a very intense 3-2 road loss against Inter Miami CF. He also contributed to the high-scoring 4-4 draw against FC Cincinnati on April 26. His vision, poise, and pace are qualities that make him a strong candidate, begging that he is not sold elsewhere in the upcoming offseason.

Nicolás Fernández Mercau

In May of this season, after veteran midfielder Maxi Moralez sustained a devastating injury during the Hudson River Derby against the New York Red Bulls, Fernández Mercau stepped up in a big way to lead the charge for the team, doing all he could on the attacking front.

With two fixtures to go, he has started 31 matches in the regular season and scored in half of them, with 16 goals to his name and five assists. Fernández Mercau has a phenomenal long-distance striking ability, paired with masterful passing and a strong ability to connect with teammates. There is no fear in his game. Once he makes a move, he is confident in that move, regardless of the outcome or the goal opportunity.

He also has a consistent ability to pressure opposing defenses, using his individual skills to set the team up for success in the opposing half of the game. And with 43 shots on target, he has the numbers this season to back up his undeniable talent.

Even off the pitch, Fernández Mercau is someone who wants nothing more than to be a staple player within NYCFC’s plans for the future and beyond. His passion, camaraderie, and overall love for the game lay the foundation for him eventually becoming the next leader of the club once veteran Maxi Moralez hangs up his cleats for good. He is an essential part of this team, and he will be a crucial part of NYCFC’s future development for years to come, especially starting next season. So, the club must do everything to keep him.

Looking to the future

Although this MLS season is not where the fan base hoped the team would end up, there is a lot of optimism to go around in terms of the kind of team, chemistry, and individual player quality that NYCFC possesses. It will take a lot of self-reflection, self-evaluation, and continued belief in their long-term plan to right the ship and turn things around.

As long as these three players remain in the fold for the future, the club is in good hands, no matter what challenges are faced. If NYCFC pushes for greatness together, they are bound to be successful again and have another opportunity to lift the MLS Cup trophy once again.

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