Nico Gonzalez is one of the most high-profile midfielders [Newcastle United](https://readnewcastle.com/2026/08/20/fabrizio-romano-midfielder-rejected-three-clubs-agreed-newcastle-united/) have been linked with lately. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has seemingly turned down the chance to move to St James’ Park. Joao Palhinha does not seem to keen on the idea either.
That means that Newcastle United do not have too many options out there. Or at the very least, the media is not linking them with a lot of names right now, even though midfield is clearly an area where they need to strengthen.
One issue that the Magpies have faced in recent times is that they have struggled to convince players to join them. Of course, we have already talked about Hojbjerg and Palhinha. If you look further in the past, Johan Manzambi chose Aston Villa over Newcastle United. Victor Munoz also headed to Liverpool when a move to St James’ Park had looked like only a matter of time.
So, is Gonzalez going to want to join Newcastle United? Are Manchester City going to entertain the idea of the midfielder’s exit? It looks like we finally have some of those answers.
Fabrizio Romano said while speaking on his [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23cDw3w8aUE) channel about the situation involving Gonzalez, Man City and Newcastle United:
> “My understanding is that Manchester City are quite open to doing business with Newcastle United about Nico Gonzalez. So. for Man City, despite being short in midfield, Man City are not closing doors to the exit of Nico Gonzalez. It has to be the right proposal, but Man City are not closing doors to Newcastle.
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> “The point here is what the player wants to do because from what I’m told, the player is still convinced he can be an important player at Man City and he can give his best to Manchester City now with this midfield reshape.
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> “So, at the moment, the point is on the player’s side. City could be open to letting him go for the right money. But at the moment, with Nico, he’s convinced he can do more at Manchester City. So, let’s see what’s going to happen also with this one for Newcastle in terms of new midfielder.”
So, it looks like Man City are very open to the possibility of Gonzalez potentially heading to Newcastle. They might be viewing him as someone who has not met expectations since joining and could be looking to shake things up in midfield.
On the other hand, Gonzalez appears to be looking to continue at Manchester City. And unfortunately, that makes it very difficult for Newcastle United to pull off a move unless he decides to change his mind.
Someone like Gonzalez could actually be a very good addition to this Newcastle United side. He might not have been a nailed-on starter for Man City, but that does not mean it would not work elsewhere.
In fact, there is a lot to like about Gonzalez’s game. And signing him would go a long way in filling the gaps that have been left behind by Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali.
Yet, following this update from Romano, the chances of this move are starting to feel unlikely. It appears that the player is keen to continue at Man City.
As for Newcastle United, they simply do not have the time to continue chasing a deal. There are merely weeks left in the window and signings need to be made in midfield.