Manchester City have signed Spanish midfielder Nico Gonzalez from Porto on a four-and-a-half year contract.
The 23-year-old becomes City’s fourth arrival of the January transfer window following an impressive start to the season in Portugal, scoring seven goals and providing six assists across 29 appearances in all competitions.
What did he have to say?
“This is the perfect opportunity for me at this stage of my career,” Gonzalez said on Man City's website.
“I am 23 and I want to test myself in England. There’s no better club than Manchester City for me to do that.
“Look at the squad they have here. It’s unbelievable, full of world-class players. There isn’t a footballer in the world who would not want to be part of this set-up.
“I know the reputation Pep has and I cannot wait to work with him. In fact, I am honoured he wants me to play in his team.
A message from Nico! 🩵👋 pic.twitter.com/VDbeFgJ1wG
— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 3, 2025
Where does he fit in?
Spain Under-21 international Gonzalez is City’s first midfield signing of the window, boosting an area of the pitch where they’ve struggled this season following the long-term knee injury suffered by 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri back in September.
Gonzalez is renowned for his passing, tactical awareness and versatility, able to operate as both a deep-lying playmaker and a box-to-box midfielder. His youthful energy and ability to cover ground in midfield should make him a welcome addition for the champions.
He is set to compete with the likes of Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva for a place in City’s starting XI.
Who is Nico Gonzalez?
Born in Coruna, Spain on 3 January 2002, Gonzalez began his youth career at local side Montaneros before joining Barcelona’s academy at the age of 11.
He progressed to make his first-team debut against Real Sociedad in August 2021 and made 29 appearances in all competitions in his debut season before moving to Valencia on a season-long loan for the 2022/23 campaign.
Gonzalez played 26 LaLiga matches for Valencia before joining Porto on a permanent basis in the summer of 2023.
The midfielder, who is the son of former Deportivo La Corona midfielder Fran Gonzalez, has gained both UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League experience during his time in Portugal.
Gonzalez has represented Spain at Under-17 and Under-21 levels, but is yet to make his debut for the senior side.
When could Gonzalez feature for City?
He could make his City debut in their FA Cup fourth-round tie at Leyton Orient on Saturday, while his first chance to play in the Premier League will be at home to Newcastle United seven days later.
