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Manchester City midfielder Nico Gonzalez has played down speculation over a summer departure, saying he is content at the club and fully committed to staying. Even though he slipped down the pecking order in the second half of last season amid talk of a midfield revamp, the 24-year-old said he believes the club’s hierarchy want him to continue at the Etihad Stadium.

Spaniard dismisses exit rumours

Gonzalez has again underlined his intention to remain at City this summer as reports linking him with a move away continue to gather pace. The 24-year-old Spaniard arrived from Porto in February 2025 on a four-and-a-half-year deal and has already made 58 appearances for the Citizens. While he played 41 matches last season, including 28 starts, his minutes reduced after he appeared to fall out of favour with Pep Guardiola during the latter half of the 2025-26 season.

‘I’m happy here’

Responding to talk of an exit from the Etihad Stadium, Nico said clearly that he feels settled at City and is convinced the club are not looking to move him on. Speaking to reporters, he said: “I’m happy here. I don’t want to leave, and I think the club wants me to stay. I haven’t seen anything, but I’m happy here.

“I don’t think any player has the position guaranteed for all the matches. Everyone has to work hard. We are one of the best teams in the world, and obviously, there is competition in every position. That is what makes us be in the position that we are, winning so many Premier Leagues and competing for everything.”

Competition fuels squad harmony

Talk of a midfield reshuffle at City has increased amid reported Barcelona interest in Rodri, along with possible moves involving Mateo Kovacic and Tijjani Reijnders.

Although he was frequently left on the bench after January and was not included in the FA Cup final squad, Nico chose not to focus on selection decisions and instead highlighted what he has contributed, including his decisive winning goal in the semi-final against Bournemouth.

Nico added: “I don’t think it was difficult for me. When I play, I think I do a really good job. A good example was the semi-final of the FA Cup when I did a good match. Every chance I got, I tried my best.

“The final of the FA Cup, I was out, but we won, so it was an amazing day for me. If we win, I’m happy. My dream is to win trophies. If I don’t play any matches, and we win the Champions League next year, I will be so happy,” he asserted.

Midfield fight demands focus

Nico is now up against strong competition to nail down a starting place in City’s midfield during pre-season and in the opening weeks of the new campaign. The club hierarchy are likely to view him as an important rotation option while uncertainty continues over the long-term futures of a number of senior players. His immediate task will be to strengthen his case before City begin their Premier League season against Bournemouth on August 23.