Manchester City’s £50 million signing Nico Gonzalez could be on his way out of the Etihad Stadium just a few months after making the high-profile move from FC Porto. The Spanish midfielder, who joined the reigning Premier League champions during the January transfer window, was initially brought in to serve as a short-term solution to cover for Rodri in midfield. However, his role within the squad appears to have diminished significantly under Pep Guardiola’s management.
### **Shift in Midfield Hierarchy**
Since Gonzalez’s arrival, the balance of City’s midfield has undergone a noticeable transformation. The recent signing of Dutch international Tijjani Reijnders has had a profound impact on Guardiola’s tactical setup. Reijnders, who has quickly earned the trust of the coaching staff, is now being favored alongside Rodri in the central midfield positions. As a result, Gonzalez has found himself on the fringes of the first-team squad.
His limited appearances for the club underscore this point. Despite being available for several matches, Gonzalez only managed to feature for 61 minutes during the FIFA Club World Cup — a competition where squad rotation is typically more frequent. This minimal game time has raised questions about his future at Manchester City, especially considering the expectations that came with his significant price tag.
### **Exit Talks Underway**
Reports suggest that City are now prepared to part ways with Gonzalez, potentially just half a year after his arrival. Club representatives and intermediaries have reportedly reached out to various clubs across Europe and in the Saudi Pro League to assess interest in the 23-year-old midfielder. The possibility of a transfer is being actively explored, with several suitors expected to monitor the situation closely in the coming weeks.
Pep Guardiola’s midfield pecking order seems firmly established, with Rodri as the linchpin and Reijnders quickly cementing his place. This leaves little room for Gonzalez to stake a meaningful claim, and City appear willing to offload him if the right offer comes in. While his stay in Manchester might be brief, Gonzalez could still attract interest due to his technical ability, versatility, and potential to thrive in a different system.
As the summer transfer window progresses, the situation surrounding Nico Gonzalez is one to watch closely. Though his spell at the Etihad may be short-lived, it could open the door to a fresh start elsewhere — possibly even a high-paying move outside of Europe.
