Nico Gonzalez to Newcastle United: Magpies assign key shirt number after marquee Man City transfer

Newcastle United have found their experienced head in the midfield, as Nico Gonzalez has been unveiled after a reported $60 million purchase from Manchester City. The Magpies had spent mostly on young players this summer despite the big-priced exits of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, and Anthony Gordon — the first two being game-controlling center midfielders. MORE — Carlos Baleba unveilved by Manchester United Gonzalez, still 24 until January, gives them a shot at replacing one of them. A slick-passing midfielder who has great speed and is a line-breaking passer, Gonzalez is also an active defensive presence and a good presser. Nico Gonzalez to Newcastle: Magpies land No. 6 from Man City Gonzalez can play as a six or an eight but has been given the No. 6 shirt by Newcastle after signing a long-term deal. A product of Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, Gonzalez made 37 seniors appearances for Barca as a teenager before going on loan to Valencia. He'd move to Porto, where his reputation exploded over a year and a half. Then it was off to City on a similar fee to what Newcastle paid for him. Gonzalez played 59 times for City, scoring four goals. He last appeared in the Community Shield loss to Arsenal, subbing into the game. This move could and maybe even should fundamentally change the floor and ceiling for Newcastle's season, as young midfielders Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba will have more time to develop and have a veteran player from which to learn the tricks of the trade.