Manchester City have made a call that may not be popular but could be the right one
The future of Nico Gonzalez at Manchester City became painstakingly clear on Sunday. Marc Guehi started in midfield and the Spanish midfielder was an unused substitute in City’s 2-1 win over Bournemouth. The fact that Guehi was preferred in midfield to Nico Gonzalez said all you needed to know about where he stands in Enzo Maresca’s squad. It has been reported that Nico Gonzalez is set to sign for Newcastle United. That move may not be popular, but it may be for the best for Nico and Manchester City.
Manchester City have agreed to sell Nico Gonzalez to Newcastle United.
Nico Gonzalez is set to complete a permanent move to Newcastle United. Fabrizio Romano reports that Manchester City and Newcastle have agreed on a £50 million package that will see the Spanish midfielder depart the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders. It is reported that Newcastle will pay £47 million plus £3 million in add-ons. Romano also reports that Nico will be a key player for Newcastle as they bid to replace Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali.
Nico Gonzalez should have the opportunities at Newcastle that he wasn’t going to get at City.
During his time at Manchester City, Nico Gonzalez didn’t really put a foot wrong. He was signed during the January 2025 transfer window when Pep Guardiola’s squad was in desperate need of midfield reinforcement. He showed glimpses during the back end of that season that he could grow and become a consistent contributor for Pep Guardiola’s side. He did play really well in the Rodri role during the first half of last season. However, when Rodri returned from injury, Nico’s opportunities to play dried up.
During the closing stages of last season, Nico Gonzalez was left out of Manchester City’s matchday squad altogether. It was thought that with Enzo Maresca coming in the equation could change for Nico. But it has not. Instead, he is on the verge of signing for Newcastle. Also, if Nico had come on as expected, perhaps Manchester City would not have been so eager to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille.
In the end, perhaps it is the right move for Manchester City to sell Nico Gonzalez to Newcastle. The Spanish midfielder should be an important player for them and he will get the opportunity to play regularly which wasn’t going to arrive at City. That is probably the best move for all concerned despite it being an unpopular move.