Manchester City transfer news: Newcastle United are edging closer to signing Nico González from Manchester City, with a formal agreement between the clubs reportedly nearing completion. Fabrizio Romano, via [Transfer Feed](https://www.transferfeed.com/transfers/nico-gonzalez-manchester-city-newcastle-united/46745852), says talks with González’s representatives could be wrapped up early this week.
That’s a problem for City.
The Daily Mail reports the 24-year-old sits at the top of Newcastle’s midfield shortlist, ahead of João Palhinha and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg. González already knows the Premier League, while his age makes him the ideal option for the Magpies’ preference for building around younger players. City, meanwhile, are reportedly willing to listen.
CaughtOffside have also brought Real Madrid into the equation.
City shouldn’t sell him. Full stop. Enzo Maresca’s decision to use centre-back Marc Guéhi in central midfield while González watched from the bench has raised eyebrows. Whatever is happening behind the scenes, it doesn’t make much sense to permanently lose a 24-year-old midfielder when City’s options are already thin.
Rodri has gone to Barcelona. Tijjani Reijnders has joined Al-Qadsiah. Bernardo Silva has headed to Real Madrid. That’s a serious chunk of midfield experience disappearing in one summer.
And González isn’t some expensive passenger. City reportedly paid Porto around £50-52 million for him. Selling at roughly that level would barely change the financial picture, yet replacing his profile could cost considerably more.
González made 25 Premier League appearances in 2025/26, playing 1,574 minutes and completing 1,068 passes at 92% accuracy. His statistics won’t jump off the page, with one goal and no assists. But that’s not really his job.
He’s there to keep the ball moving, win second balls and snuff out transitions before they turn ugly. He also scored the winner against Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. Big stage. Big moment.
City are reportedly chasing Enzo Fernández and bringing through youngsters such as Ayyoub Bouaddi. Fine. But with Champions League football and domestic cups piling up, depth matters. Using defenders in midfield isn’t clever rotation. It’s a warning sign. And González is precisely the sort of player Manchester City shouldn’t be giving away.