Unfortunately, it seems that a reliable midfielder has no alternative but to leave Manchester City

Unfortunately, it seems that a reliable midfielder has no alternative but to leave Manchester City As Manchester City retool their midfield this summer, there will be players who will depart the club this summer. A host of players face uncertain futures at the club. One of those is midfielder Nico Gonzalez. The Spanish midfielder has shown he is capable of making an impact at City. However, he may not get many opportunities to play given that Elliot Anderson and another midfielder will likely arrive at the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders. Looking at what is best for Nico, perhaps a summer move is what he needs. The Spanish midfielder is entering the prime years of his career and he does need to play regularly to take the next step as a player. Nico Gonzalez had a season of two contrasting halves as he fell out of favor. Across the first half of the 2025-26 season, Nico made a strong contribution for Manchester City. Rodri’s injury issues gave Nico an opportunity to play on a regular basis. The Spanish midfielder seized that opportunity. As Pep Guardiola’s side built a foundation for themselves to launch into the second half of last season, Nico was vital to Manchester City’s play. He slotted into Rodri’s role and showed that he has the technical and tactical ability to thrive in the role. However, the second half of last season was a different story for Nico. As Rodri returned to full fitness, Nico was resigned to a position on the bench. Also, Bernardo Silva slotted into midfield with Rodri. Nico had his moments, his performance and late thunderbolt in Manchester City’s FA Cup semi-final win over Southampton stands out. As did his displays against Newcastle in both the Carabao and FA Cup ties that City won. The issue for Nico was that once Rodri was fit, he became Manchester City’s forgotten man. Pep Guardiola wouldn’t pair Nico and Rodri together in midfield. This meant that Nico became a regular on Manchester City’s bench. The Spanish midfielder only featured in four of Manchester City’s final twelve Premier League matches last season. That highlights where Nico stood in City’s midfield pecking order at the back end of last season and it is hard to see that changing entering next season. A summer move may be best for Nico as City are willing to listen to offers for him. Given how the second half of last season panned out for Nico, and the fact that Manchester City are in the market for midfielders this summer, a summer move may be best for the Spanish midfielder. Nico has shown he has the quality to perform in a City side. With Pep Guardiola having stepped down as City’s manager and Enzo Maresca now in the dugout, perhaps there is an opportunity for Nico to stake his claim. But that doesn’t seem likely. Jack Gaughan has reported for the Daily Mail that Manchester City will listen to offers for Nico this summer. Perhaps his card is already marked. The fact that City have all but signed Elliot Anderson and remain in the market for another midfielder suggests that opportunities will be few and far between for the Spanish midfielder. Rodri’s injury situation may give Nico a reprieve, but that will likely be fleeting. At 24 years of age, Nico is entering a period of his career where he needs to be playing regular first-team football. It is hard to see that opportunity coming his way at City. Final thoughts. Nico showed during the first half of last season that when he is afforded the opportunity to play regularly, he can be a solid contributor for Manchester City. In fact, he’s a quality number-six when he gets a regular run of games. Unfortunately, it seems unlikely that he will get that chance in Enzo Maresca’s side. It would seem that a summer move for Nico may be the best move for him so he can kick on as a player. That is unfortunate, but that is seemingly the only conclusion that can be drawn when looking at Nico’s future at Manchester City.