Manchester City are preparing to sell a player they signed for almost £50 million less than two years ago. The destination makes the deal particularly notable, with González set to join a direct Premier League rival.
The total package is worth £50 million, approximately €58 million. Newcastle will reportedly pay £47 million initially, with a further £3 million dependent on performance-related conditions.
Player gives Newcastle the green light
Negotiations progressed rapidly after Newcastle identified González as their leading midfield target. The 24-year-old has now accepted the proposed move to St James’ Park.
According to Goal, the two clubs have reached a verbal agreement and González has given permission for the transfer to enter its final stages.
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The deal has not yet been formally completed. González must undergo his medical before contracts can be signed and the move registered with the Premier League.
The midfielder was an unused substitute when City opened their league season with a 2-1 victory over Bournemouth. His absence from the pitch offered another indication that his position had changed.
City recover most of their investment
González joined Manchester City from Porto in February 2025. The English club paid around £49.8 million and handed him a contract running until 2029.
He had been recruited to provide physical strength and control in midfield during Rodri’s long injury absence. The Spaniard was capable of playing as a holding midfielder or operating further forward.
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Manchester City’s announcement described him as a versatile central player who could carry the ball forward and break up opposition attacks. He had previously played for Barcelona and Valencia before moving to Portugal.
Despite useful performances, González never became an automatic starter. City’s latest midfield spending has made his pathway even more difficult.
The club have already signed Elliot Anderson for £116 million and are close to completing a deal for Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi. The Guardian reports that money from the González sale could also support a move for Enzo Fernández.
Newcastle rebuild an emptied midfield
Newcastle’s need is much clearer. The club sold Bruno Guimarães to Arsenal and Sandro Tonali to Tottenham, removing two of the most important players from the centre of the team.
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Their departures brought in approximately £175 million but left head coach Matthias Jaissle short of experienced options. Against Liverpool, Newcastle started 18-year-old Sean Steur alongside 20-year-old Lewis Miley.
González offers greater physical presence and experience at the highest level. He can protect the defence, carry possession through midfield and support attacks from a deeper position.
The Times describes Newcastle as close to completing the £50 million signing after missing out on other midfield targets earlier in the window.
A costly signing without a major loss
Labeling González a complete failure would overlook several important performances. His most memorable moment came when he scored the winning goal in City’s FA Cup semi-final against Southampton.
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However, a player signed to become part of City’s long-term midfield is leaving after only 18 months. The rapid change reflects the scale of the club’s reconstruction following Pep Guardiola’s departure.
City are set to recover almost their entire original fee, while Newcastle receive a 24-year-old midfielder with Premier League experience. The transfer may therefore suit all parties, even if González never secured the role City originally imagined.
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