Man City finally bolster midfield, beat deadline to sign Porto's Gonzalez

Manchester City turned to Nico Gonzalez in an effort to address their vulnerable, Rodri-less midfield.

The underperforming Premier League champions confirmed the signing of the Spanish midfielder right as the January transfer window closed Monday. Financial terms of the deal were not released, but transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reports that City triggered the €60-million release clause in his Porto contract.

Gonzalez signed with Pep Guardiola's side until 2029.

City were considering a move for Juventus' Douglas Luiz, according to The Athletic's David Ornstein. Luiz was previously on the club's books but never made an appearance for Guardiola's outfit. However, Gonzalez was identified as the top target in the final days of the window.

Like Luiz, Gonzalez can operate as both a No. 6 and No. 8 in midfield. The Barcelona academy product has contributed six goals and five assists in all competitions for Porto this season and is an elusive dribbler.

His physical presence - he stands at over 6-foot-2 and doesn't shy away from an aerial duel - and ball retention are likely to offer immediate relief to Guardiola's ailing midfield.

Gonzalez is the fourth marquee signing of the January window for Manchester City, who also added Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, and Omar Marmoush, reportedly spending over €200 million in total on the quartet.