Barcelona and FC Porto have reportedly sealed an agreement over a deal for 21-year-old Spanish midfield prospect Nico Gonzalez.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Nico Gonzalez is on the verge of joining FC Porto. And the 21-year-old midfielder will move to the Portuguese club on a permanent deal. Meanwhile, the agreement includes a buyback clause that Barcelona can exercise in the future.
Nico Gonzalez has been with Barcelona for a decade, arriving from his hometown in 2013. The Spaniard progressed through the ranks at La Masia before making his first-team debut in August 2021. And he featured regularly in his debut season with the Barcelona first team, benefitting from a cash crunch at the club.
But Nico’s stock fell after that campaign, and he spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Valencia. And the 21-year-old midfield prospect could not find stability at the Mestalla as he was in and out of the starting lineup. Nonetheless, the youngster turned out 26 times for Los Che while chipping in with one goal and one assist.
The Spanish midfielder has returned to Barcelona after the end of his loan spell with Valencia. But his prospects for the 2023/24 season are not bright, as he does not feature in Xavi Hernandez’s plans. And with Barcelona signing two midfielders this summer, it behoves Nico to leave the club.
Recent reports have heavily linked Nico with Aston Villa. But rumours surrounding the Premier League club have died down in the last few days. And FC Porto emerged as the most serious suitor this week. But it is intriguing how the 21-year-old Spanish midfield prospect might fit into the scheme of things at the Dragao.
Nonetheless, FC Porto showed keen interest in the Barcelona midfielder. And talks between the two clubs advanced this week. Barcelona and FC Porto have sealed the agreement over a permanent transfer. And the Blaugrana will retain a buyback clause that they can exercise in future.
But the move is not set in stone, with Nico yet to give the green light to the transfer. However, joining FC Porto might accelerate his growth, albeit only if he features regularly for the Portuguese club. Nonetheless, a move for the 21-year-old Spanish midfield prospect looks near.
