Barring the sale of Cole Palmer, Manchester City usually know when it is the right time to let go of their players.
For instance, Manchester City’s decision to offload Kevin De Bruyne might have seemed harsh at the time but the Belgian’s fitness issues combined with his declining quality meant they had to pull the plug on their decade-long love affair with him.
By signing Rayan Cherki, City have replaced De Bruyne with a younger attacking midfielder who could pull the strings at the Etihad Stadium for the next decade.
Similarly, when Manchester City sold Ferran Torres to Barcelona, the decision may have raised eyebrows at the time but since joining the Spanish giants, he has become a mere bit-part player while banking £46 million.
Man City should not sell Nico Gonzalez
Torres’ countryman Nico Gonzalez could now depart Manchester City as well.
Manchester City are ready to sell Nico and the player himself is prepared to bid farewell to the Sky Blues, despite only signing on deadline day last winter.
Nico Gonzalez ahead of Juventus v Manchester City.
Photo by Pedro Monteverde/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
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However, Pep Guardiola should step in and advise City not to offload the Spaniard just months after his time at the club.
Manchester City signed Nico for £50 million and so far, the signs have looked promising as he starred against the likes of Fulham, Newcastle United and Brighton — showcasing his quick feet, eye for a pass, knack of winning duels and excellent technical ability.
In other games, such as against Real Madrid or Tottenham Hotspur, the 23-year-old admittedly did not impose himself on proceedings, particularly in possession as his passing was far too safe.
However, with Nico having only started 13 games in a City shirt, surely it is too early to write his chances off as a potential success story for Pep Guardiola’s side.
NICO GONZALEZ PLAYING TIME FOR MAN CITY STARTS
PREMIER LEAGUE 9
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 1
FA CUP 1
CARABAO CUP 1
FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP 1
The likes of Bernardo Silva, Joao Cancelo and Riyad Mahrez all struggled to impress at Manchester City in their debut seasons before becoming key players and it could be argued that Nico is far less established than all three players.
Pep Guardiola rates Nico’s mentality and considering he has played most of his minutes as a number six despite being a central midfielder by trade, he should vouch for the midfielder to be given more of a chance to prove himself.
Man City had a concern about Nico Gonzalez before signing him
However, it seems like the Sky Blues always had their question marks about the former Porto star.
Manchester City knew Nico wasn’t a defensive midfielder before they signed him.
However, Nico has shown he can do a job there while yet to play further forward for City, which would make him a useful squad player next season unless the club decide to part ways with him.