NYCFC Aims to Sign Striker Before Transfer Window Closes

Club officials confirm plans to bolster attacking options amid injury concerns.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

New York City FC (NYCFC) plans to sign a striker before the winter transfer window closes on March 26, according to sporting director Todd Dunivant. The club has started the season without a recognized striker due to an injury to Alonso Martinez, and is looking to add a player who can replicate Martinez's "pace and verticality." NYCFC CEO Brad Sims also expects the club to make acquisitions before the end of the window, with the focus on "improving the team now."

Why it matters

NYCFC's search for a striker highlights the importance of having a balanced and versatile attacking lineup, especially when dealing with key player absences due to injury. The club's willingness to invest in the current transfer window demonstrates its ambition to build on last season's Eastern Conference final appearance and compete for trophies this year.

The details

With striker Alonso Martinez sidelined until the summer due to a ruptured ACL, NYCFC has started the season without a recognized striker, with Nico Fernández Mercau deputizing in that role. Sporting director Todd Dunivant confirmed the club has a 'list of names' it is targeting to fill the void, seeking a player who can replicate Martinez's 'pace and verticality.' NYCFC CEO Brad Sims also expects the club to make acquisitions before the transfer window closes, with the focus on 'improving the team now,' though the club views the returns of midfielder Keaton Parks and forwards Andrés Perea and Alonso Martinez from injury as 'new signings' in the summer.

  • The winter transfer window closes on March 26, 2026.
  • Alonso Martinez is expected to return from his ACL injury in the summer of 2026.

The players

Todd Dunivant

The sporting director of New York City FC, who has confirmed the club's plans to sign a striker before the transfer window closes.

Alonso Martinez

The NYCFC striker who is currently sidelined until the summer due to a ruptured ACL.

Nico Fernández Mercau

The NYCFC player who has been deputizing as a striker in the absence of Alonso Martinez.

Brad Sims

The CEO of New York City FC, who expects the club to make acquisitions before the end of the transfer window.

Keaton Parks

The NYCFC midfielder who is available after recovering from a lengthy injury last season.

Andrés Perea

The NYCFC player who the club will view as a 'new signing' when he returns from a long injury spell in the summer.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We want to get the right guy. We'd love to get him today or tomorrow. If that doesn't happen, we'll wait, but we don't want to.”

— Todd Dunivant, Sporting Director (amny.com)

“Whether its within the league or outside the league, we're keeping all our options open at this point.”

— Todd Dunivant, Sporting Director (amny.com)

“My guess is that we would add in this window and in the summer window as well.”

— Brad Sims, CEO (amny.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

NYCFC's search for a striker highlights the club's ambition to build a balanced and versatile attacking lineup, as it aims to improve on last season's performance and compete for trophies in the current campaign.