Official: Manchester City sign Nico Gonzàlez from FC Porto as they bolster their midfield | OneFootball

Manchester City have officially announced the signing of midfielder Nico Gonzàlez from FC Porto. The move was confirmed on mancity.com late on the final day of the transfer window. Gonzàlez becomes the fourth addition to Pep Guardiola’s squad. City also completed a deal for Juma Bah but he will spend the remainder of the season on loan at Lens. Christian McFarlane also arrived at Manchester City from New York City Football Club but it remains to be seen if he will feature in the City first team or City’s Elite Development System.

Speaking with mancity.com Nico Gonzàlez is excited about the opportunity to play for Manchester City. He is also looking forward to playing under Pep Guardiola. Speaking about his move to Manchester City Gonzàlez explained: “This is the perfect opportunity for me at this stage of my career. I am 23 and I want to test myself in England. There’s no better club than Manchester City for me to do that.  Look at the squad they have here. It’s unbelievable, full of world-class players. There isn’t a footballer in the world who would not want to be part of this set-up. I know the reputation Pep has and I cannot wait to work with him. In fact, I am honoured he wants me to play in his team.”

Nico Gonzàlez has a role to play this season for Manchester City but he shouldn’t be expected to save City’s season.

Nico Gonzàlez looks to be a quality addition to the Manchester City squad. The young Spanish midfielder is a product of Barcelona’s famed academy and his game looks to be suited to playing in a Pep Guardiola side. He made an impression at Barcelona before his game went to another level once he signed for FC Porto. The attributes that saw Gonzàlez break onto the scene stood out during his time at FC Porto. Gonzàlez is a composed player both with and without the ball. As a deep-lying playmaker, he is a quality player when in possession. He is also adept defensively and his ability to cover the ground and read the play make him almost the complete midfielder. All told Nico Gonzàlez should be a fine addition to Pep Guardiola’s squad.

But there is a caveat. Although it is a great sign for Manchester City to sign the midfielder they so desperately needed Gonzàlez will need time to adjust to life at Manchester City. He shouldn’t be expected to step in and save City’s season. If he can come in and contribute for the remainder of this season that will be a positive for the world champions. Having signed on with Manchester City until 2029 he does have time to develop into the role he will be expected to play under Pep Guardiola.

Now that Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Nico Gonzàlez they have the midfielder they have needed since Rodri went down with injury. The young midfielder looks to have all of the required attributes to be a quality player for Pep Guardiola’s side. But he will need time to grow into his role and that shouldn’t be forgotten amidst the excitement of his arrival.