Newcastle United fans would have been very worried coming into this weekend. The club had lost their three best players in the transfer window.
Long-time manager Eddie Howe left in the middle of pre-season as well. He was replaced by Matthias Jaissle, who had never managed in a top-five European league before yesterday.
Also, with the lack of quality signings in the summer transfer window, many were tipping Newcastle United to be potential relegation contenders this time around.
The opening-day performance and result, a [2-2 draw against Liverpool](https://readnewcastle.com/2026/08/23/colossal-display-newcastle-united-player-hailed-performance-liverpool/), should have settled a lot of the nerves. There is a positive update regarding transfers as well. It looks like a move could happen early this week, with the close of the window not far away.
According to [Fabrizio Romano](https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/2091668687631622466), Newcastle United have made big progress in talks to sign Nico Gonzalez last night. An agreement is almost done with Manchester City and conversations are ongoing with the player’s side to get the deal done early this week.
Of course, Newcastle United exceeded all expectations at the weekend. They were very unlucky not to get a win against Liverpool, who got a spot-kick deep into added time.
That being said, one performance cannot distract us from the fact that Newcastle United still need a lot of work. Their midfield is in particular need of reinforcements.
So, it is easy to understand why the club want to bring in someone like Gonzalez. He might not be a nailed-on starter for Manchester City but feels like the sort of player who would walk into the starting XI at Newcastle United.
Manchester City have been very open to letting players go this summer. That has included those who are not playing much of a part in the team, as well as those who are central figures.
Gonzalez would probably be in a territory between those two. And reports suggest that Man City are willing to let him go for the right offer.
What is that offer? Well, suggestions are that Manchester City are looking to recoup the £52 million fee they paid to sign Gonzalez from FC Porto last year.
That figure should not be a problem for Newcastle United, who have raised close to £250 million through the departures of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon. So, do not be surprised to see this become official at some point.