Newcastle signing Nico Gonzalez praised by Matthias Jaissle after Manchester City move

Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle says the permanent signing of Spanish midfielder Nico Gonzalez will bring strength, composure and defensive discipline to his squad.

Gonzalez joined Newcastle from Manchester City this summer on a long-term contract, becoming the club’s seventh signing of the summer transfer window. The 24-year-old will wear the number six shirt.

Jaissle highlighted Gonzalez’s ability to protect possession and move the ball forward even when under pressure from opponents, while also praising his understanding of the game and commitment without the ball.

“Signing Nico Gonzalez is a great gain, because he is a player who stands out for his strength and his ability to keep the ball and progress with it under pressure from the opposition, as well as his defensive discipline and his good reading of matches,” Jaissle said in an interview published on Newcastle’s official website.

The Newcastle manager also believes Gonzalez’s experience with major European clubs has helped develop a winning mentality that can benefit the team.

“Gonzalez has a winning mentality thanks to his experiences with big European clubs, and his young age and ambition make him an important addition to the team,” he added.

Manchester City confirmed Gonzalez’s departure in an official statement, announcing that the midfielder had moved to Newcastle on a permanent deal.

Gonzalez joined Manchester City in January 2025 from Portuguese club Porto. He spent 18 months with the Premier League side and made 59 appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals.

His move to Newcastle brings an end to that spell and gives Jaissle another midfield option ahead of the new campaign. The club have not disclosed the length of the agreement beyond describing it as a long-term contract.

Gonzalez developed his career in European football before moving to Manchester City from Porto, and his time at the English club added Premier League experience to his background. Newcastle see that combination of experience, physical strength and ambition as valuable qualities for their squad.

His arrival also marks the seventh addition made by Newcastle during the summer transfer window. The midfielder’s number six shirt will now be associated with the club following his permanent move from Manchester City.