Nico Gonzalez could already be leaving Manchester City, despite only arriving from Porto in a £50m move in February.
The Spain U21 international made nine Premier League starts after his switch to the Etihad Stadium, although Pep Guardiola has handed his fellow countryman just 61 minutes of action at the FIFA Club World Cup after the return of Rodri and the signing of Tijjani Reijnders.
As such, Manchester City News understand Gonzalez is ready to leave Manchester City if a new opportunity arises, and the Citizens are open to sanctioning a sale just months after signing the Spaniard.
However, Andres Iniesta has already sent Manchester City a warning over Nico Gonzalez.
Hugo Viana must heed advice of Andres Iniesta as Nico Gonzalez finds himself in limbo at Manchester City
The Spain legend – who made 181 appearances under Guardiola at Barcelona – spoke glowingly about Gonzalez back in 2022, making it clear that a player of this ilk needs time to “grow in a good environment and develop their talent” when speaking live on Twitch.
Also discussing Gavi, Iniesta said (via TBR Football): “(They are) two footballers with brutal talent and physical conditions.
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“Don’t forget their ages. They must continue to grow in a good environment and develop their talent.”
Nobody can argue Gonzalez – who is just 23 years of age – has been given this time to “grow” as of now, having only been at Manchester City for five months, so it would be truly bizarre if Guardiola and Viana sanctioned a sale this summer.
Recent sales at Manchester City prove Hugo Viana needs to avoid repeating Txiki Begiristain mistakes
Manchester City have impressed when it comes to signing players over the years, recruiting gems such as Ruben Dias, Rodri, Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne and Josko Gvardiol to ensure the squad remains competitive.
However, outgoings have been a huge problem.
Manchester City have allowed top talents such as Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia to walk away from the Etihad Stadium, all of whom are now leading figures in the Premier League.
Based on what Iniesta said about Gonzalez, there is every chance the Manchester City No.14 could follow in their footsteps and succeed elsewhere, if he is offloaded this summer.