LONDON — Spanish midfielder Nico Gonzalez has joined Newcastle United from Manchester City on a long-term contract, the two clubs announced Wednesday.
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The financial terms were not disclosed, but British media reported that the deal was worth around £52 million ($70.65 million).
The 24-year-old, a graduate of Barcelona's academy, leaves City after making 59 appearances and scoring four goals since joining from Porto last year.
"I'm extremely happy to be here at this fantastic club," Gonzalez said in a statement. "I've heard nothing but great things about the club and the city, so I'm really excited to live here and be part of this project."
"I played twice at St James' Park with Manchester City and it was extremely difficult. The atmosphere was incredible and the fans were very passionate. I can't wait to experience this as a home player."
Gonzalez had previously expressed his desire to remain at City, but leaves after the club strengthened its midfield options during the transfer window.
City signed Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi and also brought in Elliott Anderson, further increasing competition for places in midfield.
Gonzalez is the latest midfielder to leave City this summer after Bernardo Silva, Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders.
He will add experience to a Newcastle midfield that has undergone significant changes following the departures of key players including Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali.
Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle welcomed the signing, saying: "I'm extremely pleased that Nico is now a Newcastle United player. He has tremendous quality and top-level experience in an important position on the pitch."
Gonzalez will wear the No. 6 shirt and was presented to Newcastle fans at St James' Park before Wednesday's League Cup match against West Bromwich Albion.
The deal is Newcastle's seventh signing of the current summer transfer window.
