Newcastle United have reached an agreement with Manchester City over a deal worth up to £52 million for midfielder Nico Gonzalez.
The 24-year-old Spanish midfielder is set to become Newcastle’s latest signing as the club look to strengthen their squad with Premier League experience.
Newcastle had previously focused exclusively on recruiting players from clubs outside England during the current transfer window. However, the club have now identified the need for players familiar with the demands of the Premier League following the departures of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier in recent months.
Gonzalez joined Manchester City from Porto and has spent around 18 months in English football. Despite his relatively short time in the Premier League, Newcastle view him as fitting the age profile of players they want to develop further under head coach Matthias Jaissle.
The midfielder had previously indicated that he wanted to remain at the Etihad Stadium.
However, City’s decision to strengthen their own midfield has opened the door for his departure. The club have agreed an £85.6 million deal for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi and also signed Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million.
Gonzalez was an unused substitute as City came from behind to beat Bournemouth 2-1 in the manager’s first Premier League match in charge.
His departure will make him the fourth senior midfielder to leave City this summer, following Bernardo Silva, Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders.
Newcastle’s agreement with City now puts Gonzalez on course for a move to St James’ Park, where he is expected to provide additional experience and depth in midfield.
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