Manchester City sign midfielder Nico Gonzalez from Porto on four-and-a-half-year deal

Updated 03/02/2025 at 23:47 GMT

Manchester City have completed the signing of midfielder Nico Gonzalez from Porto. The 23-year-old follows Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov in moving to the Etihad this transfer window. Gonzalez, who joined Porto from Barcelona on a five-year deal in 2023, will add midfield cover for Manchester City after the loss of Rodri to a serious knee injury.

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Manchester City have added to their midfield with the deadline-day signing of Nico Gonzalez from Porto.

The 23-year-old, who has signed a four-and-a-half year deal, is City’s fourth signing of the January transfer window after forward Omar Marmoush and defenders Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov.

"This is the perfect opportunity for me at this stage of my career," he said. "I am 23 and I want to test myself in England. There’s no better club than Manchester City for me to do that.

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"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 [City boss, Guardiola] has and I cannot wait to work with him. In fact, I am honoured he wants me to play in his team.

"I am truly excited. I just want to meet my team-mates, and the staff here and then I want to play in front of the City fans."

Gonzalez came through the youth ranks at Barcelona before joining Porto on a five-year deal in 2023.

City boss Guardiola will be hoping Gonzalez can help cover for the loss of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, who has been absent with a serious knee injury.

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On the signing, City's director of football Txiki Begiristain said: "Nico is a very talented young midfielder. He is an ideal acquisition for Manchester City.

"It was a difficult transfer to complete because his performances this season have been outstanding and he has been such an important part of what FC Porto are doing. We are really happy we have managed to get this done before the window closed.

"He is ready to help us in the second half of the season as we compete in the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Club World Cup."

Manchester City face Leyton Orient in the FA Cup on Saturday, meaning Gonzalez could make his debut at Brisbane Road.

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