Has Manchester City’s midfield target finally been revealed late in the transfer window? | OneFootball

Manchester City’s biggest need to address during the current transfer window was to sign a midfielder. That stood out like a sore thumb before the transfer window opened. We got another reminder of how desperately Pep Guardiola’s side needed another midfielder during their 3-1 win over Club Brugge. City’s current midfield is ageing and lacks the legs to keep up with the majority of their opponents. But this was already known before the January transfer window opened.

But now it appears that Manchester City’s midfield target may have finally been revealed. That is FC Porto midfielder Nico Gonzàlez. Two new reports have emerged that City are making a late move to sign Gonzalez from FC Porto. On paper, at least the versatile midfielder would fill the void in Pep Guardiola’s squad. Now we wait to see if City can sign Gonzàlez so late in the transfer window. But there may be a way for City to sign the Spanish midfielder so late in the transfer window.

Fabrizio Romano has reported via X that Manchester City have made a formal approach to FC Porto to sign Nico Gonzàlez. Furthermore, Romano reports that FC Porto does not want to lose Gonzàlez so late in the transfer window. It is also reported by Romano that Gonzàlez has a €60 million release clause in his current contract. That may play into Manchester City’s hands as they bid to sign a midfielder.

Jack Gaughan has also reported for the Daily Mail that Manchester City are in negotiations with FC Porto over a transfer fee for Nico Gonzàlez. Furthermore, Gaughan reports that City are keen to sign the midfielder for less than his release clause. Gaughan further reports that Atalanta midfielder Ederson was a target for Manchester City. But the Serie A side does not want to sell one of their most important players during the January transfer window. Gaughan adds that Douglas Luiz is also available but for now, City haven’t moved for the Brazilian midfielder.

Nico Gonzàlez would fill the void in Manchester City’s squad but can they complete a deal for him before the transfer window closes?

Manchester City’s need to sign a midfielder is well-known. But they do need a specific type of player to fill the void in their midfield. A player who can step in now to fill the void left by Rodri’s absence would be ideal. But any midfielder that City do sign must also have the potential to play alongside Rodri when he does return from injury. Nico Gonzalez has the potential to play both roles and therefore, a City move for the FC Porto midfielder does make sense.

Nico Gonzàlez is a versatile midfielder who can play as a number 6, 8 or as a number 10. He has an eye for goal and he possesses a wide range of passing. For FC Porto this season he has scored 7 goals and and added 6 assists in 29 appearances. He has primarily played as a number 8 or as a 10 for Porto this season. His calmness in possession stands out in his play as does his ability to arrive late in the box going forward. There is a Rodri-esque quality to his ability to score goals for FC Porto.

Gonzàlez also has the physical attributes to immediately bolster Manchester City’s midfield. He is physically strong and also strong in a challenge. He gets around the pitch well and that attribute would be a huge addition to Pep Guardiola’s squad. All told, Gonzàlez would be a quality addition to the Manchester City squad if they can complete a deal for the young midfielder.

Summary

It now remains to be seen if Manchester City can complete a deal so late in the window for one of FC Porto’s most important players. The release clause in his contract may be key. If FC Porto don’t want to negotiate a fee for the midfielder City may have to pay the release clause to get the deal done. But it does appear that City’s midfield target has emerged and it looks like it could be a deal they could complete to strengthen their squad.