Nico Gonzalez leaves Manchester City after agreeing Newcastle United switch

Manchester City have confirmed that midfielder Nico Gonzalez has joined Newcastle United on a permanent transfer, bringing his 18-month spell at the club to an end.

The move was announced during the current summer transfer window and represents a departure that had not been expected by some Manchester City supporters. Gonzalez, who is 24, will now continue his career with Newcastle United after deciding to pursue greater opportunities for regular first-team football.

The Spain midfielder made 59 appearances for Manchester City in all competitions during his time at the club. He scored four goals, but has now chosen to leave the Etihad Stadium and seek a new challenge away from Pep Guardiola’s side.

Manchester City confirmed the transfer in a brief message posted online, saying: “Nico Gonzalez has joined Newcastle United on a permanent transfer. All the best, Nico 🩵”

Gonzalez also used the occasion to thank the club’s players, coaches, staff and supporters in an emotional farewell message. He said: “It was an honour for me to be part of this great club, it is difficult for anyone from the outside to understand how great Manchester City is.. the management, players, coaches and fans make it very special.”

He added: “I enjoyed every moment here, but I want to play more, and I leave with nothing but love and gratitude, I learned a lot alongside the best players and coaches in the world, and I thank all my team-mates, the coaching staff and the fans for their support, and I wish the team all the best.”

The transfer ends Gonzalez’s involvement with Manchester City after a period in which he featured 59 times across the club’s competitions. His four goals came during a spell that lasted 18 months, before the midfielder opted to move on in search of increased playing time.

His departure is therefore centred on an ambition to play more regularly, rather than a lack of appreciation for Manchester City. In his farewell, Gonzalez made clear the regard in which he holds the club and the experience he gained while working with its squad and coaching staff.

Newcastle United have secured the midfielder on a permanent basis, while Manchester City have formally confirmed the end of his time at the Etihad Stadium. The announcement closes the summer transfer involving Gonzalez and begins the next stage of his career on Tyneside.