Barcelona have reportedly been successful at warding off the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City and retaining young prodigy Nico Gonzalez.
Spanish publication SPORT are claiming that Barcelona have successfully managed to ward off interest from Manchester United and Manchester City in prodigious midfielder Nico Gonzalez. The youngster was tipped to be heading towards England after refusing to commit to a new deal at the club.
Nico Gonzalez is one of the brightest prospects within the La Masia setup at the present moment. The youngster though, was thought to be on his way out. With Nico demanding clarity over his pathway into the first-team in the future along with better terms, the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City were showing interest in securing Nico’s signature.
Nico’s father Fran was credited for his role in a potential move to Manchester City, with the former player being a staff member on the blue side of Manchester. But, after leaving the position, reports emerged of the prodigious Barcelona midfielder being on the edge of moving to Manchester United.
The reason for his links with Manchester United was chalked down to the relationship between Fran and David Harrison. The two were part of the Manchester City backroom staff. And while Fran ran his contract out, David Harrison chose to leave for Manchester United.
? [SPORT] | Nico González will continue to wear the shirt of FC Barcelona. The Barça midfielder started the preseason with the Juvenil A of Denis Silva on Monday and only the signing is needed to formalize his renewal.
Real great news for Masia!. pic.twitter.com/R8MtpSYiLV
— BarcaTimes (@BarcaTimes) July 30, 2018
The earlier report indicated that Barcelona had presented a proper plan to Nico and his camp as regards his future growth. The plan has been made even clearer now, according to the report.
Nico will be plying his trade in Juvenil A, skipping the Juvenil B class, which will enable him to play in the UEFA Youth League. The player will then be promoted to Barcelona B in the third year. This has reportedly convinced Nico of his future at Barcelona as he began pre-season with the Juvenil A side.
Nico Gonzalez will be signing the new contract soon, which will come as a huge boost to Barcelona and their La Masia academy setup, especially with the latest setbacks that they have had to endure. The latest player to exit the youth setup was Pablo Moreno, who chose to join Juventus.
Manchester United, on the other hand, will now be focusing on securing the signature of Daniel Adshead. The starlet was thought to be on his way to the club and with Nico Gonzalez no more a target, the Red Devils will look to snap up the Rochdale teenager.
For Barcelona, they would finally be heaving a sigh of relief after having prevented Nico Gonzalez from becoming the latest casualty from their La Masia system. They would hope this sets a benchmark for others who aim to leave for top clubs.
