One player who endured a frustrating season for Manchester City was Spanish midfielder Nico Gonzalez. For the first half of the season, Nico was integral to Pep Guardiola’s side. As Rodri battled his way back to full fitness, Nico’s play kept City’s season ticking along. Once Rodri returned in the second half of the season, Nico’s opportunities to play dried up. Following Manchester City’s costly 3-3 draw with Everton, Nico barely featured at all, save for the final day of the season when City lost 2-1 to Aston Villa in what was essentially a dead rubber. Heading into the summer, as Manchester City begin a new era, Nico’s future is uncertain. The possibility that he could be squeezed out of City’s squad looms large, as it has been reported that Nico is considering his future at City.
The possibility that Nico could leave Manchester City this summer seems very real.
Paul Hirst has reported for The Times that Nico is considering his future at Manchester City due to a lack of game time throughout the 2025-26 season. Hirst further reports that clubs from Italy and Spain have an interest in signing the Spanish midfielder. Furthermore, Hirst reports that Manchester City’s interest in Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson and Chelsea’s combative midfielder Enzo Fernandez could push Nico further down the pecking order at City. It remains to be seen what Nico will do at this stage, but he does seemingly face a battle to establish himself in a prominent role for the FA and Carabao Cup holders.
If City land two midfielders this summer and keep Rodri, Nico’s role at City isn’t immediately clear.
This summer will be busy for Manchester City as they embark on a new era. Players will come in to strengthen City’s squad for next season and beyond. However, players will depart to begin the reshaping of the City squad, and players such as Nico do face uncertain futures at this time.
Unfortunately for Nico, Rodri stands in his way to play in his preferred role at Manchester City. It stood out in the first half of this season that Nico can thrive at City when given the opportunity. What hampers his prospects is that when Rodri is fit, Nico won’t start ahead of him. Perhaps if Rodri were to depart City this summer, Paul Hirst also reports that Real Madrid remains interested in signing the Ballon d’Or winner this summer. That may change Nico’s circumstances. However, City’s interest in signing Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernandez may force Nico’s hand. It remains to be seen how that will all play out.
Nico is reportedly considering his future at Manchester City. That is understandable given his lack of consistent football this season. City are entering a new era, but if Nico will be part of it remains to be seen. However, it is understandable that Nico is considering his options given how the 2025-26 season panned out for him.