Newcastle United medics will put Nico Gonzalez through his medical today on Tyneside ahead of his £50m move from Manchester City.
The Spain Under-21 international was whisked to Newcastle's quayside yesterday via a people carrier as the Magpies aim to conclude business swiftly. Gonzalez has already been deemed the club's marquee summer signing by supporters, with excitement in the air following the arrival of the ex-FC Porto and Barcelona star.
Transfer details and fee structure
The 6ft 2in midfielder arrives for a similar overall fee that Man City paid for him in 2024, with some of the fee heading back to the Nou Camp due to a sale percentage clause in his contract. However, it remains to be seen whether Barca retain their buy-back agreement, which was previously in place with Man City.
Gonzalez arrives after being told by City he can leave, with quotes attributed to the star earlier this month suggesting he wanted to stay and fight for his spot at the Etihad Stadium. He said on August 6: "I am happy here. I don't want to leave and I think the club wants me to stay. I haven't seen anything but I'm happy here."
Player's excitement and formalities
However, the 24-year-old is understood to be excited about signing for the Magpies and can't wait to meet his new team-mates after positive talks with Matthias Jaissle and sporting director Ross Wilson. For now, Gonzalez was going through the usual formalities of the transfer, and Newcastle hope to present him to fans in due course.
Joe Willock situation still unclear
Chronicle Live was told from sources in Turkey last night that Besiktas still hold an interest in Joe Willock, and the club's transfer chief, Ondor Ozen, is keen to sign the ex-Arsenal star. The same sources suggest that Willock has indicated he would be keen on a lucrative move to the Turkish Super Lig, but Matthias Jaissle has underlined that the midfielder's goal and performance showed he was 'committed' to the cause at United.
However, with less than a week of the window to go, the proof will be in the pudding if Besiktas bid £17.2m for Willock, although the longer they leave it, the less time Newcastle will have to find a replacement.
What now for Nick Pope?
The goalkeeper is facing a critical last few days of the window after the England international was told in no uncertain terms he will be third choice if he stays at St James' Park. Matthias Jaissle held talks with Pope early in his tenure, and he has not featured in any squads since the German coach was appointed.
The 34-year-old has one year left to run on his contract and is behind Ewen Jaouen and Lukas Hornicek in the pecking order.
