Man City has just finished signing a contract with Nico Gonzalez for £ 50 million from Porto on the last day of the transfer. Why did the Green Man spend such a large amount of money for the 23 -year -old star?
Gonzalez joined Man City under a contract of 4 and a half years, holding him up to the club until 2029. As a versatile midfielder, he became Man City’s fifth rookie during this transfer, Along with Juma Bah, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis and Omar Marmoush.
Gonzalez’s journey to play at the famous Barcelona La Masia Academy in 2013. After that, he was released to Barca’s first team, but only 37 appearances. The midfielder had a successful lending season in Valencia, before officially moving to Porto in 2023.
Gonzalez played 68 times for the Portuguese team, scoring 9 goals, including the decisive goal in their 1-0 victory over the Maccabi Tel Aviv at the UEFA Europa League last Thursday night.
After officially signing a contract with Man City, Gonzalez described the move as “perfect” and said he could not wait to be launched to the new team.
“This is the perfect opportunity for me at this stage of my career,” he said. “I am 23 years old and want to challenge myself in the UK. There is no better club than Manchester City so I do that. Look at the squad they have here. It is unbelievable, all the bridges are bridges The world -class player. There is no football player in the world does not want to become part of this squad. ”
“I know Pep’s reputation and I can’t wait to work with him. In fact, I am very honored when he wants me. I am really excited. I just want to meet my teammates’ teammates I and the staff here and then I want to play in front of Man City fans! “.
Football director Txiki Begiristain said: “Nico is a very talented young midfielder. He is an ideal addition to Manchester City. This is a difficult transfer because of his performance during the season in the season of the season This prize is very prominent and Porto has not wanted to sell.
“Nico is ready to help us in the second half of the season when we compete in the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Club World Cup,” Begiristain added.
What does Gonzalez make Man City fascinated?
As a tall player with full physical strength, Gonzalez has created a reputation in Porto as an effective player both when there is a ball and when there is no ball.
The 23 -year -old has experienced ranks at Barcelona. Learning and playing with people like Sergio Busquets – one of the best midfielders of all time – has brought this 20 -year -old with valuable experience.
Nico Gonzalez mature from Barca’s La Masia training and quite versatile
Put simply, Gonzalez is a classic central midfielder; A person capable of bringing the team forward with a rotation or breaking the opponent’s attacks thanks to the ability to read the match and occupy an impressive position.
Gonzalez is also very versatile when it is possible to play in many different positions in the midfield. He can take on the role of defensive midfielder, central midfielder and even a shuttle midfielder. This makes him a perfect addition to Man City’s squad.
His appearance at Man City can support people like Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva – who carried a big burden when Rodri was absent due to injury in September.
Gonzalez is the son of former player Franzalez of Deportivo La Coruna. He faced the pressure to take on the role of defensive midfielder Rodri, a position that often makes it difficult for the players in Guardiola’s tactical system. Even Rodri had difficulty and took some time to adapt to the style of the Spanish strategist.
Initially, BLD Man City hesitated to pay a large amount of money, especially when Gonzalez was only considered a temporary replacement for Rodri, who was injured. However, the 1-5 defeat to Arsenal at Emirates promoted the need to strengthen forces, leading to a cult contract.