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Nico Gonzalez: Position, transfer fee, style of play, stats & more

Manchester City are reportedly pushing to finalise the signing of Porto midfielder Nico Gonzalez.

Rodri's injury has begged the question as to why midfield reinforcement wasn't the club's main priority in the January transfer window, but it seems the Citizens are set to test Porto's resolve in the pursuit of their Spanish midfielder.

Here is everything you need to know about Manchester City transfer target Nico Gonzalez.

Man City

2024/25

Nico Gonzalez age, nationality & background

Born on 3rd January 2002, Nico Gonzalez is 23 years old.

Gonzalez was born in A Coruna, Spain, and started his career with local side Montaneros at the age of seven.

Nico Gonzalez transfer fee and contract

The Spaniard has a release clause valued at €60m and Porto are currently adamant that they will receive that fee if they are to part ways with their number 16.

It's believed that part of the reason the Portuguese club insist on the full release clause being paid is because Gonzalez's former club, Barcelona, will be entitled to a percentage of the fee.

Man City, however, are at present unwilling to pay the release clause, instead holding out for a deal around the €40m mark.

What to expect from Nico Gonzalez

Position

Nico Gonzalez is a central midfielder, though is competent playing as the sole defensive midfielder.

Height and build

Gonzalez is 6ft 2ins and of lean build.

Preferred foot

Gonzalez is naturally right-footed but is comfortable using either foot.

Style of play

Nico Gonzalez possesses physical and technical attributes that explain why Pep Guardiola's Man City are actively seeking the signing of the midfielder.

He has a unique understanding of the game that allows him to constantly appear in the right positions, so often able to receive the ball in the build-up. Like Rodri, he is excellent at carrying out simple duties with efficiency, rarely losing possession in any area of the pitch.

That said, we shouldn't underestimate Gonzalez's ability to be progressive with the ball at his feet. He is constantly seeking line-breaking passes, while also possessing the expertise to drive past opposing midfielders.

At 6ft 2ins, he is tenacious and aggressive in duels, skills that allow him to play the sole defensive midfield role.

Stats

Metric

Total (Per 90)

Rank

Assists

0.24

Top 7%

Aerials Won

2.79

Top 3%

Goal-Creating Actions

0.97

Top 1%

Defensive Actions Leading to Goals

0.12

Top 1%

Tackles During Take-On %

23.5%

Top 7%

(Source: FBref.com based on comparison to positional peers in Men's Big 5 Leagues in last 365 days).

Career so far

Previous clubs

Gonzalez made the move from local side Montaneros to Barcelona in 2013, before spending seven years in Barcelona's youth setup between 2013 and 2020.

The Spaniard was given the chance to impress in Barcelona's B team, before making his his first team debut on 15th August 2021, replacing Sergio Busquets in a 4–2 win over Real Sociedad.

Gonzalez would enjoy a one year loan spell at Valencia, before making the permanent move to Porto in the Summer of 2023, signing for a €8.5 million fee.

While Barcelona have a buy-back clause, Man City remain the front runners for Gonzalez's signature, with personal terms believed not to be a problem.

International caps

Gonzalez is yet to represent Spain at international level, though a move to Man City would allow the midfielder to impress Luis de la Fuente on the main stage.

He has, however, represented his nation at youth level, playing for the U17s and U21s.

What could Nico Gonzalez bring to Manchester City?

Guardiola's side are desperately in need of athleticism in the midfield department, and Gonzalez looks would certainly provide this.

His ability to play in front of a back-four will also prove handy to Man City, who, due to Rodri's absence, don't have a recognisable 'number six' at the club. Coming through the Barcelona academy, his elite knowledge of the game could mean he suits Guardiola's ideology to perfection.

While Rodri's return, which could potentially come towards the end of the 2024/25 campaign, will make it harder for Gonzalez to keep his spot, his ability to play in a range of midfield roles means there's a chance he could play alongside Rodri, rather than being replaced by him.

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