Manchester City’s midfield landscape is buzzing with speculation this summer as the future of Nico Gonzalez hangs in the balance. The 23-year-old Spanish midfielder, who joined the Etihad Stadium in a £50 million deal from Porto during the January 2025 transfer window, finds himself at a crossroads just six months after his arrival.
Gonzalez was brought in primarily as a direct response to Rodri's serious knee ligament injury that sidelined the veteran midfielder for much of the 2024-25 campaign. At the time, City needed immediate cover to stabilize their midfield, a role Gonzalez was expected to fill. However, while he showed flashes of promise, his impact has been underwhelming compared to expectations from both the club and the player himself.
During his debut half-season, Gonzalez made 17 appearances across all competitions, including 11 in the Premier League, but often found himself on the bench. His playing time dwindled particularly towards the end of the season, with only one start in the last seven matches, which came on the final day against Fulham. His involvement at the FIFA Club World Cup was limited to a single 61-minute appearance against Al Ain, after which Pep Guardiola expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of play.
Rodri has since returned to full fitness, reclaiming his spot in the starting lineup. Adding to the pressure on Gonzalez is the arrival of Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan for a hefty €55 million this summer, who has quickly become a preferred option in midfield. Alongside established names like Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, and James McAtee, the competition for midfield roles is fierce.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano first sparked transfer rumors when he indicated that Manchester City might be open to letting Gonzalez leave if a suitable offer arrived. Romano noted, "Nico Gonzalez could leave Manchester City this summer. He joined Manchester City on deadline day in February for €65m from Porto and I’m told there is a chance for Nico to leave Manchester City already this summer. He’s not probably had the impact they both expected, Nico and Manchester City, so in case of [a] good proposal, there is a chance for Nico Gonzalez to leave Manchester City already in this summer transfer window." However, Romano was quick to clarify that no decision was finalized and that Gonzalez’s situation would depend heavily on the proposals received.
Further fueling the narrative, Graeme Bailey of Manchester City News reported that Pep Guardiola has "lost faith" in Gonzalez, highlighting that the Dutch newcomer Reijnders has moved ahead of him in the pecking order. Bailey added that Gonzalez’s representatives have proactively contacted clubs across Europe and Saudi Arabia to gauge interest, suggesting the Spaniard’s future at City is uncertain. The Saudi Pro League, in particular, has emerged as a surprising potential destination, with unnamed clubs reportedly showing interest despite Gonzalez's contract running until June 2029.
Yet, not all reports point to an imminent exit. Simon Bajkowski from the Manchester Evening News countered the transfer buzz by stating that City is not actively seeking to sell Gonzalez and expects him back at the training ground by the end of July. Bajkowski emphasized, "No active negotiations are believed to be taking place regarding the player’s future as of July 7, 2025," and that the club continues to monitor Gonzalez's development closely.
City’s approach to Gonzalez’s situation seems to mirror their overall strategy of keeping squad options flexible while maintaining control over player development. The club’s message suggests that if Gonzalez impresses during pre-season training and upcoming matches, he could still carve out a meaningful role in Guardiola’s plans for the 2025-26 season. The Spaniard’s versatility and technical ability remain assets, especially given the demanding schedule City faces across multiple competitions.
However, the reality is that the midfield is crowded. Alongside Rodri and Reijnders, players like Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, James McAtee, Nico O’Reilly, and even young talents like Rayan Cherki are all vying for minutes. Guardiola has also indicated that the squad size needs to be trimmed, adding to the pressure on fringe players.
Reflecting on the 2024-25 season, Manchester City experienced a notable dip in form after their dominant run of four consecutive Premier League titles. Rodri’s ACL injury was a significant blow, contributing to a mid-season collapse that saw City finish third in the league and suffer a trophyless campaign, including a loss to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final. The January transfer window saw City invest heavily, with Gonzalez being the second most expensive signing after others aimed at bolstering the squad for a rebuild.
Despite the challenges, Guardiola’s belief in City’s squad depth remains clear. The manager’s willingness to give young players opportunities is well documented, but the current competition means that every player must prove their worth quickly. Gonzalez’s next few weeks at the club will be crucial in determining whether he remains part of City’s long-term vision or becomes a casualty of the club’s evolving midfield dynamics.
From a fan’s perspective, retaining Gonzalez makes sense given the number of campaigns City will be contesting next season. His youth and potential are valuable, and with the right development, he could still become a key piece in Guardiola’s tactical puzzle. But if a major bid arrives or if Gonzalez himself seeks more regular football elsewhere, a transfer move could be on the horizon.
In the meantime, the Etihad awaits Gonzalez’s return to training later this month. Whether he will stay to fight for his place or prepare for a new challenge remains one of the summer’s most intriguing stories in Manchester City’s ongoing saga.
