Newcastle United have completed the signing of Spanish midfielder Nico Gonzalez from Manchester City on a long-term deal, with the £50m recruit presented to supporters in front of the club's biggest crowd since 1976. The move takes the Magpies' summer spending to £222m.
Spain Under-21 star unveiled before kickoff
The Spain Under-21 international walked onto the pitch hours after passing his medical and signing his contract. Gonzalez was transported to Newcastle the previous night after a club delegation had spent the day in the North-West to finalise the transfer.
A Newcastle statement said: "United are delighted to announce the signing of Spanish midfielder Nico Gonzalez on a long-term deal from Manchester City. The 24-year-old, a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, will wear shirt No 6 and becomes the seventh senior addition to the squad this summer."
Player and manager react to move
Gonzalez said: "I’m really happy to be here at this amazing club. I’ve only heard top words about the club and the city, so I’m really excited to live here and to be part of this project. I love the black and white shirt already and I can’t wait to start wearing it on the pitch for this club."
He added: "I’ve experienced playing at St. James’ Park twice with Manchester City and it was really tough. The atmosphere was amazing and the fans are so passionate. I can’t wait to experience that as a home player."
Head coach Matthias Jaissle said: "I’m very happy to see Nico become a Newcastle United player. He brings serious quality and elite experience in a key area of the pitch."
"Nico is a really strong ball carrier - somebody who can drive the team forward while staying composed under pressure. He also brings discipline defensively, he reads the game well and his physicality makes him well suited to the Premier League," Jaissle added.
"Nico is a proven winner who has already played at some huge clubs in Europe’s top leagues, but he’s also still young and hungry to develop further. He is a fantastic addition to our squad."
Midfield rebuild and sporting director's stance
Gonzalez adds depth and experience to a midfield that has seen Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes leave this summer. The departures had prompted concern among some supporters, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Joao Palhinha both linked with the Magpies, but sporting director Ross Wilson insisted the club landed their primary target.
"We’ve worked patiently on this transfer for a number of weeks," Wilson said. "This was the one we wanted, and we’re delighted to welcome Nico to Newcastle United this evening. He was an ambitious target but following our discussions, he was so keen to join this club."
"He fits the exact criteria we set for this position and we weren’t prepared to compromise on that. He’s 24 years old, with an abundance of elite experience across Manchester City, FC Porto and Barcelona. He’s already shown his quality in the Premier League, and we’re sure there is more to come here in a black and white shirt."
Jaissle has now addressed the defensive midfielder position he considered vital this season, with a forward and defensive cover expected to follow. Newcastle were forced to start Lewis Hall in the Carabao Cup tie that evening after it was confirmed Dan Burn would be ruled out until October.
