Manchester City is set to finalize the signing of Nico González, who will bolster Pep Guardiola’s midfield following Rodrigo Hernández’s injury in September. With this addition, the Cityzens will cap off a winter transfer window in which they’ve spent nearly 200 million euros.

A Big-Spending Winter Window

City had already secured the arrival of striker Omar Marmoush and center-backs Khusanov and Vitor Reis, splashing out 150 million euros in total. Now, with Nico as a key addition, the team aims to cover for Rodri’s absence until his return at the end of the season.

The Galician midfielder, developed in Barcelona’s academy and with experience at Valencia, is on the verge of joining City for 60 million euros. Porto, which signed him in the summer of 2023 for 9 million euros, is letting him go due to financial needs.

Immediate Impact in Premier League and Champions League

With the team fighting for a spot in next season’s Champions League and still competing in the FA Cup and Champions League, Guardiola hopes Nico will be a vital piece in the second half of the season. Additionally, City will face Real Madrid in a thrilling Round of 16 clash, where the Spaniard could be registered if Guardiola includes him in the three available slots for new players in the competition’s second phase.

All signs point to the chosen ones being Nico, Marmoush, and Khusanov, while Vitor Reis may be left out as he has yet to make his debut for the team. With the 60 million euros spent on Nico, City has invested more in this winter transfer window than in any previous window under Guardiola. The Spaniard arrives to fill a role that has seen Mateo Kovačić, Matheus Nunes, Rico Lewis, and Ilkay Gündogan tried out since Rodri’s injury in September.