Nico Gonzalez isn’t the only Manchester City midfielder Newcastle United have supposedly showed interest in this summer.
Newcastle United were priced out of a move for Tijjani Reijnders before he joined Al-Qadsiah, according to the player’s father.
The Dutch midfielder completed a £52million move to the Saudi Pro League side last week after just one season at Manchester City. He made 50 appearances across all competitions, helping the Citizens lift both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.
It’s claimed the 28-year-old had interest from all over Europe, including Premier League duo Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, but no clubs were able to compete financially.
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Newcastle United were priced out of move for Tijjani Reijnders
“City didn’t want to let him go,” Reijnders’ father told Algemeen Dagblad (via Sport Witness). “Both the technical director and the new manager made that clear. They said: ‘if you want a transfer, it will only happen for a fee we are happy with. Not a penny less’.
“Atletico Madrid was keen but couldn’t make the finances work. Juventus and Galatasaray only wanted a loan deal. Nottingham Forest couldn’t reach an agreement with City, and neither could Newcastle United.”
Al-Qadsiah also offered Reijnders a significant salary, which his father admits was a factor - but not the sole factor.
He added: “It’s a massive amount of money; truly incredible. Of course, that plays a role; there’s no need to be hypocritical about it. But not primarily.
“Money only became a factor when it came down to two sporting choices: staying at Manchester City – where you wouldn’t be happy due to a new role as a ‘number 10’ and the risk of frequently sitting on the bench – or playing every match with enjoyment at Al-Qadsiah in a position that suits you well.
“People are entitled to their opinions on that, though it’s easy to talk, 75% of professional footballers would have signed the moment Al-Qadsiah made their first offer.”
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Newcastle United closing in on another Man City midfielder
Newcastle are instead closing in on the signing of another Man City midfielder, with club chiefs hopeful of securing a deal for Nico Gonzalez in time for Saturday’s Premier League clash away to Tottenham Hotspur.
Gonzalez had been keen to stay at City following the departures of Reijnders and Rodri but watched as new boss Enzo Maresca played Marc Guehi - a recognised centre-back - in midfield ahead of him for their match against Bournemouth last weekend.
Newcastle United were priced out of deal for Man City midfielder - not Nico Gonzalez