Manchester City secured a deal with FC Porto for midfielder Nicolas González on transfer deadline day, making them the Premier League club with the highest expenditure this January.
City completed the transfer in the final moments of the winter window.
Initially, the Premier League champions were reluctant to meet the release clause in González’s contract.
However, they ultimately agreed to pay the fee, which is believed to be around €60 million.
Porto had been firm on their asking price, as a portion of the payment will go to González’s former club, Barcelona.
The Spaniard moved to Porto from La Liga in 2023, and the payment to Barcelona could amount to as much as 40% of the total transfer fee if González transfers again.
“This is the perfect opportunity for me at this stage of my career,” González said.
“I am 23 and I want to test myself in England. There’s no better club than Manchester City for me to do that.
“Look at the squad they have here. It’s unbelievable, full of world-class players. There isn’t a footballer in the world who would not want to be part of this set-up.
“I know the reputation Pep [Guardiola] has and I cannot wait to work with him. In fact, I am honoured he wants me to play in his team.
“I am truly excited. I just want to meet my teammates, and the staff here and then I want to play in front of the City fans!”
The transfer brings Manchester City’s total spending in January to approximately €210 million, following the signings of Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis.
