Where in the world are the other 2025 summer signings for NYCFC? | OneFootball

This summer, New York City FC has already made some roster moves. Mounsef Bakrar and Birk Risa have both left the club. Then, Nicolás Fernández Mercau signed as a new Designated Player and has already impressed in his few appearances.

However, the summer is winding down, and the secondary transfer window in Major League Soccer closes on August 21. As such, the team has less than two weeks to sign and register any new players for the club. It was thought that a few players would be brought in, and there is still some time. But NYCFC's time is dwindling, especially for players to adjust and be influential in games.

So, where are the other signings? There have been rumors, and the Bronx team has some needs. Will they officially sign another player, or will Fernández Mercau be the only new player in this window?

NYCFC needs new players

The most concrete rumor for NYCFC involves Raul Gustavo from Ferencvárosi Torna Club, which happens to be Head Coach Pascal Jansen's former club. The defender has been reported to be on the move to the City Football Group side and has even said goodbye to the club on social media. But it has been a few weeks now, and there has been no new information regarding the player's status.

Gustavo is a center-back, which is a position NYCFC needs to fill with Thiago Martins' injury and Risa's departure. If he is signed already, then it will be better for the Pigeons for him to arrive as soon as possible. Notably, there could be visa issues due to the current presidential administration's immigration policies. The club could be waiting to announce his signing until the i's are dotted and t's are crossed.

Otherwise, anything else out there is just unreliable rumors or stories about the team having interest in a player. They mean nothing at this point. But what about other positions that need help? Bakrar was not the best backup at striker, and it appears Seymour Reid might take on that role more than was expected of him. The young forward could use more minutes and would be best with NYCFC II at this point.

NYCFC needs another striker to not just back up Alonso Martínez, but ideally compete with the Costa Rican. Truthfully, the star should never feel comfortable and should always work hard to keep his spot up front and center. In addition, there is always somebody better than him. While loved, fans would accept another striker to start if he were to guarantee more goals than Martínez.

Moreover, it is questionable whether Keaton Parks will be back this year after his leg injury and now blood clot surgery that he has to recover from. If Jansen plans on using Fernández Mercau more on the wing and continues to play Maxi Moralez as the number ten, then adding another midfielder, even as a bench player, would be helpful.

Of course, there are some Homegrown and younger players who are looking for more playing time. It would be great to see them earn more minutes with the first team. At the same time, they need to be impactful in matches. They need to play at the level that will enable the Pigeons to move up in the standings. Otherwise, outside signings are needed.

It is crunch time for NYCFC when it comes to summer additions. There is only so much time left to bring in new players. Will anyone else join the club and give them a better chance at competing for the rest of the regular season and playoffs?