Manchester City keep spending! Pep Guardiola’s side eye late January move for Porto star Nico Gonzalez but face paying €60m release clause, with Barcelona holding 40% sell-on clause

Manchester City keep spending! Pep Guardiola’s side eye late January move for Porto star Nico Gonzalez but face paying €60m release clause, with Barcelona holding 40% sell-on clause

Manchester City Keep Spending! Pep Guardiola’s Side Eye Late January Move for Porto Star Nico Gonzalez But Face Paying €60m Release Clause, with Barcelona Holding 40% Sell-On Clause

In a move that would further bolster their already star-studded squad, Manchester City are reportedly eyeing a late January swoop for FC Porto’s rising star Nico Gonzalez. The 22-year-old midfielder has been turning heads with his performances in Portugal, making him one of the most sought-after young talents in Europe. However, as is often the case when big clubs come knocking, Manchester City will have to meet his substantial release clause of €60 million to secure his services.

City’s Interest in Nico Gonzalez

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City has made a reputation for itself in recent years as a club not afraid to spend heavily on top-tier talent. Despite already having an array of options in midfield, including Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri, and Ilkay Gundogan, City’s interest in Gonzalez highlights their continued desire to strengthen and keep pace with their rivals.

Gonzalez has emerged as one of Porto’s standout performers, catching the eye with his dynamic playing style, creativity, and technical ability. As a central midfielder, his skill set mirrors that of some of Europe’s top playmakers, making him an attractive option for City, who look to add depth to their midfield options. The €60 million release clause, while hefty, is a sum that Manchester City can easily afford, especially considering the investment they’ve made into their squad in recent seasons.

Barcelona’s Sell-On Clause

However, Manchester City’s negotiations may not be as straightforward as they seem, with Barcelona reportedly holding a 40% sell-on clause for any future sale of Gonzalez. The clause was put in place when the Catalan club originally sold the young midfielder to Porto in 2022 for a modest €5 million. Now, with Gonzalez’s stock rising rapidly, Barcelona stands to gain a significant windfall should a big-money move materialize, further complicating matters for City.

This clause could impact City’s decision-making as they will need to factor in the potential payout to Barcelona should they trigger the release clause. The Catalan club, still in the midst of a financial recovery, would certainly welcome the additional funds, further intensifying the pressure on Manchester City to act quickly if they are serious about securing Gonzalez.

The Competition for Gonzalez’s Signature

Despite Barcelona’s stake in the deal, Manchester City are far from the only club interested in Nico Gonzalez. European heavyweights, including Premier League rivals and top clubs from across the continent, have been keeping close tabs on the Porto man. However, City’s financial might and the allure of playing under one of the best managers in the world could give them the edge in the race for Gonzalez’s signature.

A move for Gonzalez would be seen as another statement of intent from Manchester City, who have continually reinforced their squad since Guardiola’s arrival. The club has no issue parting with large sums to secure top talent, and their success in the transfer market has been a key factor in their domestic and European triumphs in recent years.