Depending how one situation at Manchester City plays out it may offer another midfielder a reprieve | OneFootball

It is by now no secret that Rodri fancies leaving Manchester City to play for Real Madrid. David Ornstein and Mario Cortegana reported for The Athletic that Real Madrid are eager to sign Manchester City’s Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder this summer. How the Rodri situation plays out looms as a summer defining moment for the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders. Replacing what Rodri brings to City is impossible, and how City fill that void if Rodri moves this summer isn’t immediately clear. However, if Rodri were to leave it may offer Nico Gonzalez a reprieve. He has played in Rodri’s role and shone, and if a bigger opportunity arrives for him it could be exactly what he needs to shine.

Nico Gonzalez could be the player who steps up for Manchester City if Rodri does leave this summer.

Last season was a mixed bag for Nico Gonzalez. He played an important role for Pep Guardiola’s side during the first half of the 2025-26 season. The Spanish midfielder was an important player for Manchester City as he deputised for Rodri while the Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder worked his way back to full fitness. He did that with aplomb as Nico brought his own strengths to the number six role.

Nico isn’t Rodri, but he is cool and composed in possession, which stood out in the first half of last season. The Spanish midfielder can drive his team forward in an entirely different way to Rodri with his safe passing and ability to move in midfield with his intelligent movement. He also reads the game well and was able to win his duels and help City keep danger at bay in midfield. Hypothetically, if Rodri does leave Manchester City, there is no reason why a midfield pairing of Nico and Elliot Anderson couldn’t form a key component of Enzo Maresca’s side.

However, the second half of last season didn’t go as planned for Nico. Pep Guardiola preferred Bernardo Silva and Rodri in midfield. This choice saw Nico fall down the pecking order. When he did play, Nico showed the areas he needs to improve. In Manchester City’s 3-3 draw with Everton late in late season, Nico, and his teammates, struggled with Everton’s physicality. Essentially, Nico was bypassed by David Moyes’ side in midfield and physically he did battle. That one performance showed where Nico needs to improve. Perhaps if Rodri leaves playing regularly will help him in this regard. Also, the possibility of Nico playing alongside Elliot Anderson may cover the flaws in Nico’s game.

What comes next with Rodri may define how important Nico becomes for his team.

Looking at the Manchester City squad, assuming that Rodri stays and they also sign Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, Nico looks to be little more than a squad player for Enzo Maresca’s side. That is the reality of the situation that the Spanish midfielder would face, especially considering that City have also signed Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. If that were to remain the case for Nico, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him seek a summer move to gain more opportunities to play on a regular basis.

However, if Rodri does depart this summer, an opportunity arises for Nico. It is one he has seized before, and this was on display last season. Perhaps that opening is what the Spanish midfielder needs to take the next step as a midfielder. To play regularly, Nico needs a path to do so. Rodri’s departure from Manchester City could be that path.

If Rodri were to leave Manchester City this summer for Real Madrid, it could open up an opportunity for Nico Gonzalez. That may be what he needs to kick on as a player irrespective of what other midfielders City sign this summer. The Rodri situation may hold the key for Nico, so how it plays out could dictate his future at the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders.