Manchester City are reportedly set to beat Real Madrid for the signature of Barcelona prodigy Nico Gonzalez.
The Sun have claimed that Barcelona are set to lose out on another academy prodigy in Nico Gonzalez. The 14-year-old, who is being eyed by Manchester City and Real Madrid, is reportedly set to join the blue half of Manchester next year.
Nico Gonzalez is a 14-year-old youngster who is currently on the books of Barcelona. Nico is the son of former Deportivo La Coruna star, Fran, who has joined Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff at Etihad. As per reports, Fran had earlier stated that his son, Nico, shall stay at the La Masia.
But Spanish journalist Albert Roge, in an interview to Catalunya Radio, has revealed that Nico Gonzalez is set to join Manchester City’s academy and link up with the other promising youngsters on the books of Manchester City next year.
Nico Gonzalez is touted as one of the best talents of the current crop of youngsters at La Masia and the news would come as a huge blow to Barcelona, who have seen many of their young talents being poached by other clubs.
One of Barcelona’s brightest talents, Nico González (14), will follow his father Fran (coach) to Manchester City next year. [@albert_roge] pic.twitter.com/tlIydP7dEx
— City Watch (@City_Watch) November 24, 2016
As per the report, Fran is more than happy to have his son Nico Gonzalez join him at Manchester City but has left the decision on to Nico, who is free to choose the club he wants to continue his footballing education at.
Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo had earlier reported that the 14-year-old is happy to stay at Barcelona despite the links to Real Madrid and Manchester City. But it now seems like the player is set to swap Barcelona for Manchester City.
Barcelona would not be happy with their talents being poached. The Citizens not only have former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola at the helm but other staff like Txiki Begiristain have also joined the club.
Nico Gonzalez will certainly find it comfortable at Manchester City and the presence of his father should make him feel more welcome at the club. And if Nico fulfills the massive potential that he is touted to possess, then it may make Barcelona regret the decision to let the player leave for Manchester City.