Manchester City have confirmed the capture of Celta Vigo forward Nolito, reuniting the Spaniard with former manager Pep Guardiola.
Manchester City have confirmed the signing of the Barcelona target after activating his release clause of around £14M, as reported by the Guardian. The Citizens have beaten Barcelona to the signature of the current Spain International as the former La Masia product has opted to play under the boss who handed him his Barcelona debut in La Liga. Barcelona were reportedly heavily interested in bringing the 29-year old back to where he started his senior footballing career.
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The new Manchester City signing will reportedly wear the no.9 jersey for the Blues in the upcoming season.
Nolito started his career at Barcelona but failed to make the cut as he was restricted to only 2 senior appearances during his time at Nou Camp. He then decided to move to Benfica before moving to Granada on loan. The Spaniard finally found his form in a Celta Vigo shirt after signing for them in 2013. He went on to make 100 senior appearances for the La Liga outfit scoring 39 goals in the process. He racked up 9 Man of the Match performances in La Liga last season contributing to his team’s cause with 12 goals and 7 assists.
Nolito is a wide forward of sorts; meaning, a winger who likes to cut inside and pass rather than hug the byline and cross. His main strength lies in his ability to find his teammates and even though he likes to cut inside, he is not shy of the odd dribbles. His knack of playing the ball on the ground is definitely a trait Guardiola would like and he will most likely fit seamlessly in the manager’s plans.
Nolito had only praises to sing for his future manager, while talking to the Guardian. “I’m very fortunate that it was he who handed me my debut at Barcelona. I know him a little, I was with him for a short while whenever he got me to train with the first team or included me in the playing squad. I think that Pep Guardiola is one of the best managers in the world. He knows a lot about the game and he’s going to help me progress as a player and I’m sure he’ll get the best out of me.”
Nolito’s signing has hogged all the limelight for City fans but the Spaniard wasn’t the only one announced by The Citizens in the last couple of days.
In an official announcement, their sister club, Melbourne City has confirmed the transfer of 25-year old Aussie International Aaron Mooy to the Premier League powerhouse.
The 25-year old Socceroos star has decided to move to the Premier League in a deal that sees fellow Aussie Luke Brattan move back to the A-League on loan.
Aaron Mooy has agreed a 3-year deal with Manchester City. One of the brightest talents playing in the A-League, Aaron Mooy recorded 11 goals and a league-record of 21 assists for the A-League outfit. It will be interesting to see how Guardiola decides to use the midfielder from down under and whether he is able to conform to the Premier League’s rigorous demands. One thing is for sure, this move will greatly help the player in his overall growth.
