Manchester City midfielder actively exploring summer exit after FIFA World Cup snub | OneFootball

Manchester City midfielder Nico Gonzalez will exploring a summer exit after frustrations over a lack of playing time, as per a new report.

The 24-year-old enjoyed an impressive first half of the recent season by establishing himself as a capable stand-in for Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, who spent the campaign in and out of the side owing to recurring fitness setbacks.

Gonzalez arrived at the Etihad Stadium in January 2025 from Porto as an emergency signing, helping the Blues record a third-place Premier League finish in the challenging 2024-25 season to qualify for the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League campaign.

With Pep Guardiola departing as Manchester City manager and talks progressing with Enzo Maresa to replace the Catalan, a summer of major changes lies in store at the Etihad Stadium.

Report: Nico pursuing Man City exit

Having missed out on Spain’s FIFA World Cup squad, Gonzalez is understood to be eyeing a summer departure for regular first-team football away from Manchester City, as reported by Times Sport’s Paul Hirst.

Despite receiving huge plaudits for his role in the side during Rodri’s absence in the last 18 months, Guardiola often decided to look past Gonzalez in midfield as he leaned on departing captain Bernardo Silva in the number six position.

Gonzalez was also frequently left out of City’s matchday squads in the final weeks of the season and as contract talks progress with Rodri, it is likely that the former will leave City this summer.

The Spaniard has his best years ahead of him and will benefit from a fresh start wherein he is playing week-in, week-out after a formative year-and-a-half of learning from the likes of Guardiola, Rodri and Silva at the Etihad Stadium.

Will Man City sell Gonzalez this summer?

It is highly likely that City will look to cash in on Gonzalez this summer as the midfielder looks for an exit to progress his career, frustrated with a bit-part role in Manchester.

City sporting director Hugo Viana is spearheading the club’s pursuit of Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, who is expected to learn from Rodri and develop into the Blues’ long-term number six – should he arrive at the Etihad Stadium this summer.

The likes of Mateo Kovacic, Rico Lewis and Nico O’Reilly can all comfortably play at number six so Gonzalez leaving will not fret Manchester City, who will sanction a sale if a suitor club can match their valuation of the midfielder.