La Liga giants try to ‘take advantage’ of Gonzalez Man

Atletico Madrid is allegedly interested in signing Manchester City midfielder Nico Gonzalez during the summer transfer window.

The 23-year-old signed for Pep Guardiola’s club during the January 2025 transfer window for about £50 million, but his future is already questionable.

Gonzalez was brought in to cover Rodri, who would miss the most of the 2024-25 season due to surgery. Last season, the Spaniard made 11 appearances for Manchester City, the majority of which came from the bench.

According to Fichajes, Atletico has had internal discussions regarding signing the Galician midfielder. The Rojiblancos want to sign him on loan, with the option to buy him permanently next summer.

Diego Simeone believes Gonzalez would be an ideal addition for his team due to his quality and dynamism, yet winning his signature will be difficult.

Will Manchester City be tempted to sell Gonzalez?

Nico Gonzalez of Manchester City, photographed in March 2025.

Gonzalez failed to make an impression under Guardiola, and he may struggle to find regular playing time next season with Rodri back in the squad.

The holding midfielder played only 61 minutes during the FIFA Club World Cup, and he may fall further down the pecking order after Manchester City recruited Dutch player Tijjani Reijnders.

There has been rumored interest in the midfielder from Saudi Pro League clubs, and Atletico now appears to have joined the competition.

Gonzalez’s contract at the Etihad Stadium runs until 2029, but he might be let go this summer, with Guardiola wanting to unload up to 11 players.

Who else could leave Manchester City?

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola on July 1, 2025.

The Manchester City manager allegedly wants a smaller roster and is even willing to transfer experienced players such as John Stones.

Ilkay Gundogan, Nico O’Reilly, Mateo Kovacic, Claudio Echeverri, and Oscar Bobb are all possible departures this summer, while Jack Grealish is almost certainly leaving.

If Gonzalez quits the club, it will raise doubts about City’s recruitment policy. Guardiola failed to get the most out of Kalvin Phillips, who had two loan periods in the previous 18 months, and a similar pattern could emerge with the former Porto midfielder.

After Pulling Out of Rodrygo Race, Pep Guardiola Should Now Tell Man City to Sign His Real Madrid Teammate

Manchester City’s summer transfer window has taken another intriguing turn. After weeks of speculation and internal talks, the club has decided to pull out of the race for Rodrygo, Real Madrid’s explosive winger. While the Brazilian was seen as a potential long-term successor to City’s wide options, the club is shifting its focus — and now attention should turn to a different kind of player from the same Spanish powerhouse.

Pep Guardiola, known for his precision in recruitment, has always placed immense value on footballing intelligence. With that in mind, City’s new focus should be on a Real Madrid teammate of Rodrygo — a player who offers a different profile but fits Guardiola’s tactical demands more seamlessly. This teammate has quietly become one of the most complete midfielders in Europe, blending defensive awareness with crisp passing, positional discipline, and an impressive engine.

What separates this player from many others is his adaptability. He can sit deep as a pivot, operate as a central conduit, or move into a more advanced role without disrupting the team’s balance. For Guardiola, who thrives on systems and positional play, such flexibility is priceless. In many ways, this Madrid star could be viewed as the natural heir to Ilkay Gündoğan or a future understudy to Rodri.

While Rodrygo’s flair would have brought excitement, this midfield maestro offers control. And control is exactly what Guardiola craves in big matches. Time and again, City’s dominance has stemmed from their ability to suffocate opponents with possession, recycling the ball with laser-sharp efficiency. Adding another midfield general to the ranks would further cement their stranglehold on domestic and European competition.

Guardiola has never been one to chase stars for the sake of glamour. Every signing under his tenure has served a tactical function, and that’s why this Madrid midfielder makes sense. He is not about headlines or flashy tricks — he is about rhythm, structure, and subtle brilliance. It’s the kind of intelligence Guardiola respects more than any highlight reel.

Moreover, with Kevin De Bruyne entering the latter stages of his peak, City must plan wisely. Injuries and minutes need to be managed carefully, and this Madrid player could help carry that creative burden while allowing City’s talisman to stay fresh for defining moments. His passing range and vision can mirror City’s style, making him a seamless fit into the Etihad fabric.

From a personality standpoint, the Madrid star is calm, composed, and focused. Guardiola values players who think before they act, who can follow complex tactical instructions under pressure. This player checks those boxes. He rarely loses his head, and his decision-making is often impeccable even in high-stakes scenarios.

In Europe, he has already shown maturity beyond his years. Whether it’s controlling the tempo against elite opposition or covering ground in a midfield battle, he performs with a quiet authority. That kind of temperament is crucial for a Guardiola team, where mistakes are few and margins are fine.

City’s midfield depth, while still strong, is beginning to show signs of natural evolution. Kalvin Phillips failed to establish himself, Mateo Kovačić has offered flashes but lacks consistency, and the younger options are still developing. This Madrid star, however, is ready-made. He would offer instant impact and long-term value.

Real Madrid may be reluctant to sell, but City have the financial strength and sporting appeal to make a compelling case. With Madrid chasing their own new midfield projects, the right offer could tempt them into negotiations — especially if Guardiola himself makes the request.

A move to Manchester would not only elevate the player’s career but also sharpen City’s edge in a league that is growing more competitive. Arsenal, Liverpool, and others are making bold moves, but few can match the tactical clarity and structure City possess under Guardiola.

For the player in question, working under a manager like Guardiola would offer a priceless education. The Spaniard has transformed countless midfielders into world-beaters, fine-tuning their understanding of space, timing, and movement. There is no doubt this Real Madrid ace would thrive under such mentorship.

The connection between Madrid and City has strengthened in recent seasons. Deals for players, mutual respect between managers, and shared Champions League ambitions have created a respectful rivalry. This transfer could deepen that relationship while benefitting both sides.

City’s scouting team has already been tracking players from across Europe, but Guardiola’s voice is always decisive. If he believes this Madrid midfielder is the right piece for his evolving puzzle, the club will act swiftly. With Rodrygo out of the picture, their focus must now sharpen on this opportunity.

A quiet operator on the pitch, the Madrid man does not draw the same buzz as forwards or wingers, but his value lies in doing the unseen work. Guardiola loves those kinds of players — ones who may not dazzle but who win matches through calm efficiency.

Fans may need time to appreciate the elegance of such a signing, but as the season unfolds, they would come to recognize his value. Just like Rodri, who took a year to settle before dominating, this player could become a cornerstone of a new cycle at the Etihad.

Ultimately, pulling out of the Rodrygo deal could be a blessing in disguise. It allows City to double down on their identity — not of spectacle, but of supremacy built on intelligence and control. And this Real Madrid midfielder embodies all of that.

For now, City remain quiet. But behind the scenes, moves are being made. If Guardiola gives the green light, this could become one of the smartest signings of the summer. One that doesn’t make headlines at first — but wins titles in the end.