Newcastle sign Nico Gonzalez from Man City

Newcastle sign Nico Gonzalez from Man City Newcastle United have completed the signing of Nico Gonzalez from Manchester City. The Spanish midfielder put pen to paper on a long-term contract at St James’ Park. The 24-year-old, who came through Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, becomes Newcastle’s seventh senior signing of the summer and will wear the No.6 shirt. “I’m really happy to be here at this amazing club,” Gonzalez said (via the club’s official website ). “I’ve only heard top words about the club and the city, so I’m really excited to live here and to be part of this project.” Head coach Matthias Jaissle believes the midfielder can bring an important blend of technical quality, physicality and tactical intelligence to his new-look side. Sporting director Ross Wilson revealed Newcastle identified Gonzalez as their preferred target for the position after weeks of behind-the-scenes work. “This was the one we wanted,” Wilson said. “He fits the exact criteria we set for this position, and we weren’t prepared to compromise on that.” The signing also addresses a glaring issue in Newcastle’s midfield following the departures of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali. That weakness was exposed during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool, when Newcastle started with 18-year-old Sean Steur and 20-year-old Lewis Miley in central midfield. Gonzalez offers something different. Per Squawka, he averaged more than 75 passes per game last season with a 90.36% completion rate. His ability to carry the ball and play progressive passes should give Jaissle greater control. He also brings defensive bite, averaging 2.5 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per 90 minutes last term. Gonzalez may not replicate the goals, assists or creativity of Tonali and Guimaraes, but Newcastle do not necessarily need him to. His versatility, composure and experience can provide the balance Jaissle’s midfield is crying out for. The Magpies could still use one or two more marquee midfield additions before the window closes as they look to have a formidable roster for the season ahead.