Manchester City sign Nico Gonzalez for €60 million

Manchester City have found a replacement for Rodrygo, signing midfielder Nico Gonzalez from Porto for a transfer fee of 60 million euros.

Manchester City have been affected by the absence of Ballon d'Or winner Rodrygo this season due to knee ligament damage, but the Spanish international is making good progress in his recovery and is expected to be included in City's Champions League knockout squad.

At the same time, Manchester City is about to welcome a Spanish compatriot who can play the same defensive midfielder position. Nico, who was born in Barcelona's famous La Masia youth training camp, officially transferred to England and joined Manchester City on the winter transfer deadline.

Nico told the club's official website: "At this stage of my career, this is a perfect opportunity. I'm 23 years old and I want to take on the challenge in England, and Manchester City is undoubtedly the ideal club. Looking at the squad here, it's incredible, full of world-class players, no player would refuse to join such a team. I also know Guardiola's reputation, and I'm extremely excited and even honored to be able to work with him. I can't wait to meet my teammates and coaching staff and play in front of the fans at the Etihad Stadium!"

Manchester City's director of football, Begiristain, added: "Nico is a very talented young midfielder and an ideal signing for Manchester City. This deal was not easy to complete because he has performed very well this season and is crucial to Porto. But we are very happy to have signed him before the transfer window closed. He is ready to help the team face the challenges in the second half of the season, including the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Club World Cup."

As a Spanish U21 international, Nico will become Manchester City's latest blockbuster signing. Facing 115 Financial Fair Play (FFP) charges, Manchester City is still making a big signing in the winter window. In addition to Nico, they also signed Omar Marmoushi, Vitor Reis and Abdulkadir Husanov.