A significant midfield overhaul is under way at Manchester City. Bernardo Silva and Rodri have departed the club. Tijjani Reijnders is set to sign for Saudi Arabian club Al Qadsiah. So far, City have only signed Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest to bolster their midfield. Strengthening the midfield of Enzo Maresca’s side is the major priority for Hugo Viana in the final two weeks of the summer transfer window. Now, it has been reported that Newcastle United have begun talks with Manchester City to sign Nico Gonzalez. You have to question if it is the right move for City to potentially sell a player who could help provide quality cover in midfield for Enzo Maresca this season.
Newcastle United have opened exploratory talks to sign Nico Gonzalez.
David Ornstein has reported for The Athletic that Newcastle United have explored the possibility of signing Nico Gonzalez from Manchester City. Furthermore, Ornstein reports that Newcastle are desperate to bolster their midfield after selling Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães to Tottenham and Arsenal. Ornstein also reports that Newcastle are also exploring moves for other midfielders as they bid to bolster their squad for new manager Matthias Jaissle.
Should Manchester City entertain selling Nico Gonzalez or is it one departure too many?
Nico Gonzalez has found himself in a strange spot at Manchester City. He fell out of favour with Pep Guardiola towards the end of the 2025-26 season. The Spanish midfielder has started on the bench for the three friendlies and the FA Community Shield that City have played under Enzo Maresca. Perhaps Nico is only viewed as a squad member at City. Perhaps that is why City could be open to selling him to Newcastle United.
The case against City selling Nico is obvious. Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders are all out the door. Adding Nico Gonzalez to the midfield departures may be one too many. It is expected that Manchester City will sign two more midfielders this summer. Ayyoub Bouaddi is one. Manchester City are expected to move for Enzo Fernandez.
However, you wonder if City’s midfield will be short of cover if they sell Nico Gonzalez. Rico Lewis, Mateo Kovacic and possibly Nico O’Reilly could all do a role in midfield. Obviously, Elliot Anderson would be the centrepiece of Manchester City’s midfield. As would Bouaddi and Enzo Fernandez if they do arrive. You would assume that Nico Gonzalez would add cover and competition for City’s midfield. However, perhaps City just want to cut their losses with Nico Gonzalez. Time will tell.
Nico Gonzalez has emerged as a transfer target for Newcastle United. Manchester City are in the midst of a big midfield upheaval. Perhaps the Spanish midfielder may be a casualty in that before the transfer window closes.