La Liga giants Barcelona could reportedly earn €24 million (£19.9 million) if FC Porto agree to sell Nico Gonzalez to Liverpool or any other interested party.
Rising through the ranks at La Masia, Gonzalez officially became a part of Barcelona’s first team in the summer of 2021. The young midfielder showed a lot of potential, but he could not become a fixture in the first XI. Over the course of the 2021-22 La Liga campaign, Gonzalez played in 27 matches (12 stars), scoring two times and providing an assist.
In the summer of 2022, Gonzalez joined Valencia on loan, hoping to hone his skills through regular football. He appeared in 26 games for Valencia, scoring once and providing an assist. At the end of the 2022-23 season, Gonzalez returned to Catalonia, but then-coach Xavi did not have him in his plans.
So, after around a month of negotiations, Gonzalez joined Primeira Liga side FC Porto, with Barcelona accepting a €8.4 million (£6.9 million) bid for his services.
Gonzalez has emerged as one of the finest midfielders in Europe since his switch to Porto. He has impressed with his ability to find the right pass, his work rate, and his penchant for popping up with timely goals and assists. According to reports, his performances have made him a transfer target for many prominent clubs in Europe, including Premier League leaders Liverpool.
The Reds wanted to sign Martin Zubimendi in the summer transfer window, but with Real Sociedad refusing to sell, they have reportedly turned their attention to Gonzalez. Arne Slot’s side could reportedly try to sign Gonzalez as early as January.
Barcelona Could Make Around £20 Million From Nico Gonzalez Sale
Barcelona, who are still in financial turmoil, could greatly benefit from Gonzalez’s departure. As per Spanish outlet SPORT, there is a clause in Gonzalez’s contract that states Barca would receive 40% of the funds Porto get from selling Gonzalez in the future.
Since Porto do not want to sell Gonzalez, Liverpool or any other club would have to trigger his €60 million (£49.8 million) release clause to prize him away. This would ensure a cool €24 million (£19.9 million) payout for the Blaugrana.
Two other Premier League clubs, Arsenal and Aston Villa, are also keeping a close eye on the player’s progress. There is a belief that the 22-year-old will leave Porto for a bigger team in 2025.
Gonzalez has played 63 matches since joining from Barcelona in the summer of 2023. He has played 63 games for the club, scoring seven times and providing eight assists.
