Nico Gonzalez Transfer U-turn Rocks Man City

Nico Gonzalez transfer shock hit Manchester City on Thursday, with reports suggesting the 23-year-old wants out only half a season after his £50 million arrival from Porto.

Nico Gonzalez transfer saga: what went wrong?

Pep Guardiola originally swooped for the La Masia graduate to plug the gap left by Rodri’s long-term knee injury. Yet Rodri’s faster-than-expected recovery, coupled with the January capture of Dutch all-rounder Tijjani Reijnders, has relegated Gonzalez to a bit-part role. He started just five matches, logging a modest 511 Premier League minutes, and saw only 61 minutes at last month’s Club World Cup.

Competition drives uncertainty

With Rodri restored to full fitness and Mateo Kovačić, Phil Foden and Reijnders all jostling for midfield spots, opportunities have dried up. Manchester City News claims intermediaries have already sounded out clubs in Spain, Italy and the Saudi Pro League about a summer move despite Gonzalez having four years remaining on his Etihad contract.

Potential destinations

La Liga sides in need of a deep-lying playmaker are monitoring the situation, while Saudi champions Al-Hilal are rumoured to be readying a lucrative package. City, keen to recoup their investment, would reportedly entertain bids in the £45-50 million bracket.

Club stance

Guardiola insists the door remains open for Gonzalez to fight for his place, but privately the club accept that regular minutes elsewhere may best serve the Spaniard’s development.

Opinion

Allowing a talented 23-year-old to leave so soon would highlight the ruthless depth of City’s squad, yet it also underlines how delicate squad-building can be when immediate success overshadows player growth.