Nico Gonzalez’s tenure at Manchester City began with high expectations when he joined the club from FC Porto in a £50 million deal in February as a deadline-day signing to bolster the midfield following Rodri’s season-ending ACL injury.
The 23-year-old Spaniard, a product of Barcelona’s prestigious La Masia academy, was hailed as a versatile midfielder capable of filling the void left by the Ballon d’Or winner. Since his arrival, Gonzalez has made 17 appearances for City, including 11 in the Premier League, but started only 12 of those matches. His debut against Leyton Orient in the FA Cup was cut short by a minor hip injury after 22 minutes, and despite a standout performance in a 4-0 Premier League win over Newcastle, where Pep Guardiola dubbed him a “mini Rodri,” his impact has been inconsistent. Gonzalez showed promise with his 88.6% pass completion rate and strong ball recoveries (5.1 per 90 minutes), but his limited minutes—most notably just 61 minutes at the Club World Cup—suggest he has struggled to secure a regular role in Guardiola’s squad.
Letting Nico Gonzalez go genuinely makes no sense this is our future Rodri.pic.twitter.com/DmSeKELgLR
— Danis (@DanisMCFC) July 6, 2025
Why Might Gonzalez Leave?
The primary factors potentially influencing Gonzalez’s reported desire to leave Manchester City revolve around the return of Rodri and the recent signing of Tijjani Reijnders, which have significantly reduced his playing time.
Rodri, City’s linchpin midfielder, returned to full fitness by mid-2025, reclaiming his spot as the first-choice defensive midfielder and relegating Gonzalez to a peripheral role. The arrival of Reijnders from AC Milan in the summer of 2025 further intensified competition, with the Dutch midfielder quickly establishing himself as a key figure in Guardiola’s system during the Club World Cup, often deployed in a more advanced role but capable of covering the No. 6 position.
With additional midfield options like Ilkay Gundogan, Mateo Kovacic, Bernardo Silva, and emerging talents such as James McAtee, City’s midfield is overcrowded, and Guardiola’s preference for a smaller squad has left Gonzalez as the odd man out. The Spaniard had limited involvement in the Club World Cup—where he started only against Al Ain and was substituted after an hour—underscoring his diminished status.
Where Could He Go?
As speculation mounts about Gonzalez’s next move, his intermediaries have reportedly begun contacting clubs across Europe and in Saudi Arabia to explore potential destinations. The 23-year-old, contracted until 2029, is unlikely to fetch the £50 million City paid, but his pedigree and versatility make him an attractive prospect. A return to Spain could be on the cards, with clubs potentially interested in a player who thrived at Porto and has La Masia roots, though no specific teams have been named. Saudi Arabian clubs, flush with cash, represent another option, offering lucrative deals that could tempt Gonzalez if European opportunities fall short.
🚨 Nico González's agent is already looking for a new club for the midfielder and his future could be in Saudi Arabia.
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) July 6, 2025
(Source: BILD) pic.twitter.com/8My3Lwi2WO
His desire to become a guaranteed starter elsewhere, as reported by Manchester City News, suggests he prioritizes regular game time to continue his development, especially after being overshadowed at City. While no transfer is guaranteed, Gonzalez’s future is one to watch as the summer window progresses.
