Manchester City to Activate Release Clause for FC Porto Nico Gonzalez

Manchester City is set to pay 60 million euros (£49.8 million) to FC Porto to secure the signing of Nico Gonzalez, a highly-rated 23-year-old Spanish midfielder. The deal comes after the English champions successfully met the release clause demanded by the Portuguese club.

Renowned football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein from The Athletic, both reliable sources in the transfer market, confirmed that Manchester City has received the green light to begin negotiations with Gonzalez following the agreement to activate the release clause.

🚨🔵 EXCLUSIVE: Nico González to Manchester City, here we go! 💣

New midfielder for Pep Guardiola as Man City will pay same amount as release clause worth €60m with different structure.

Nico, allowed to travel for medical and contract signing soon.

Exclusive story, confirmed. pic.twitter.com/bLcpUof9Tq

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 3, 2025

While the exact payment structure of the deal is still under wraps, it is reported that Manchester City may not pay the full sum in cash and could instead opt for an installment plan. The deal, however, is still expected to be completed soon.

In terms of the financial breakdown, Barcelona stands to benefit from the move, as the Catalan club holds 40 percent of any profit above 8.4 million euros (the amount FC Porto paid for Gonzalez initially). With the release clause set at 60 million euros, Barcelona is expected to receive a significant sum, though the exact amount will depend on the final terms.

Additionally, Gestifute, the agency representing the player, will receive a 10 percent commission from the transfer fee.

FC Porto’s recent match against Rio Ave was expected to feature Gonzalez, but with the impending transfer, it now seems unlikely that he will play under new manager Martin Anselmi.

This deal marks another major signing for Manchester City as they look to bolster their midfield for the future.