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Monday, February 17, 2025  
19 Shaban 1446  

Manchester City signs Nico Gonzalez from Porto ahead of transfer deadline

New talent joins city's ambitious roster
Nico Gonzalez, 23, joined Manchester City before the close of Monday’s winter transfer window. AFP
Nico Gonzalez, 23, joined Manchester City before the close of Monday’s winter transfer window. AFP

Manchester City has finalised the signing of midfielder Nico Gonzalez from Porto just before the January transfer window closed, reports said.

The 23-year-old Spanish international joins the Premier League champions on a four-and-a-half-year contract, with reports suggesting the transfer fee is around €60 million.

The acquisition brings City’s total spending in this window to approximately £180 million, nearly matching the combined spending of all other Premier League clubs.

Gonzalez becomes the fourth new addition to Pep Guardiola’s squad, following Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis.

In a statement released by the club, Gonzalez expressed his enthusiasm for the move, stating, “This is the perfect opportunity for me at this stage of my career. I want to test myself in England, and there’s no better club than Manchester City for that.”

He praised the team’s roster, saying, “It’s unbelievable, full of world-class players. I am honoured that Pep wants me to play in his team and I cannot wait to work with him. I just want to meet my teammates and play in front of the City fans.”

City has been seeking midfield reinforcements since Ballon d’Or winner Rodri was sidelined for the season due to an injury in September, which contributed to a decline in their performance.

A recent setback occurred when City suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to Arsenal, leaving them 15 points behind league leaders Liverpool.

Gonzalez, a product of Barcelona’s La Masia academy, debuted for Barcelona B in 2019 and made 27 appearances before joining the first team in 2021, where he played 37 matches.

After a loan spell at Valencia during the 2022/23 season, he made a permanent move to Porto, where he featured 68 times and helped the team win the Portuguese Cup while contributing nine goals and nine assists.

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Txiki Begiristain, City’s director of football, stated, “Nico is a very talented young midfielder and an ideal acquisition for Manchester City. His performances have been outstanding, and we are delighted to have secured his services before the window closed. He is ready to help us in the second half of the season as we compete in various tournaments.”

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Manchester City

Deadline

Nico Gonzalez

Porto