Gonzalez heads north
Nico Gonzalez's time at the Etihad is over. The midfielder has completed a permanent switch to Newcastle, ending an 18-month spell that brought two domestic cups but never quite the regular football he craved.
City confirmed the deal on Wednesday, with the Magpies announcing the 24-year-old has signed a long-term contract and will take the No.6 shirt. The fee has not been disclosed, though Sky Sports reports the package could reach £50million with add-ons.
Gonzalez made 59 appearances for the Blues in all competitions, scoring four goals. His most significant contribution came in last season's FA Cup semi-final against Southampton, where he found the net en route to a cup double.
"I've loved my time here, but I have a desire to play more often," Gonzalez told City's official website.
It is a sentiment that makes sense of the move. At City, he was part of a deep squad; at St James' Park, he is likely to be a more central figure. He was presented to the Newcastle supporters before Wednesday night's Carabao Cup tie against West Bromwich Albion.
The departure brings a tidy return on a player who arrived with promise but never quite nailed down a starting berth. For City, it is a sale that makes financial sense; for Gonzalez, a chance to be more than a squad man.