Porto Confirm How Much Barcelona Really Made from Nico Gonzalez to Man City Deal: Not What Was Expected

In a surprise turn of events, FC Porto has shed light on the true figures behind the transfer of former Barcelona midfielder Nico Gonzalez to Manchester City, and it’s not what many expected.

Nico, who made the move to Porto from Barcelona, was subsequently signed by Manchester City for a hefty €60 million on the transfer deadline day. Barcelona, keen on capitalizing on the sale, had a 40% sell-on clause in the deal. Based on that, they anticipated a substantial €24 million windfall from the sale of the player.

However, Porto has now confirmed that there have been some changes to the deal that will significantly reduce Barcelona’s earnings. According to Porto, they have exercised an early option to purchase 20% of the capital gains from the player’s transfer, a decision that has affected the financial breakdown of the deal. This change means that Barcelona will now only receive €13 million instead of the €24 million originally expected.

The deal has become more complex as Porto also decided to cancel the buy-back clause that Barcelona had on Nico, which was worth €30 million and could have been exercised until June 30, 2025. The buy-back option was part of the original arrangement when Barcelona first sold Nico to Porto, and its cancellation further complicates the finances involved.

For Barcelona, this turn of events is a setback, especially considering the club’s financial struggles and the expectation that they would benefit more from this deal. With the sale of Nico, Barcelona was hoping to boost their financial situation, but the reduced payout from Porto means that their plans will need to be adjusted accordingly.

Nico Gonzalez, who had been highly regarded during his time at Barcelona’s youth academy, had a promising future ahead when he joined Porto. His potential move to Manchester City was expected to bring in a considerable sum for the Spanish club. However, the changes in the deal’s structure have altered the financial landscape for Barcelona, who now find themselves receiving less than anticipated.

The decision to exercise the 20% capital gains clause and cancel the buy-back option has raised questions about how much control Barcelona still has over players they let go. While the club was initially in a strong position to profit from the deal, this latest development shows how quickly things can change in football finance.

Barcelona had hoped that the €24 million would provide some much-needed funds to help balance their books, especially with the ongoing challenges they face in terms of their salary cap and financial fair play regulations. The reduction in the amount received from the sale of Nico highlights the difficulties many top clubs face in negotiating deals that are as beneficial as they first seem.

Despite this setback, Barcelona will still have some leverage moving forward, especially considering the sale of several players in recent seasons. However, with many deals being structured in ways that limit the club’s long-term profits, Barcelona will need to rethink their approach to future transfers if they want to secure more favorable financial outcomes.

For Manchester City, the signing of Nico Gonzalez represents a strategic move in their long-term squad planning, with the midfielder expected to bolster their options in the center of the pitch. Under Pep Guardiola, Nico will be looking to take the next step in his career, and it’s clear that the Spanish manager sees great potential in the 22-year-old.

As for Porto, the club’s decision to reduce Barcelona’s earnings from the deal will likely be seen as a smart financial move, one that will give them more flexibility in the market and potentially make them a stronger force in future transfer dealings. While Barcelona may feel disappointed with the reduced payment, Porto’s actions show that they are not afraid to maximize their position in negotiations.

This transfer saga highlights the importance of understanding the fine print in football deals, and how quickly financial situations can change when unexpected clauses come into play. Barcelona’s loss in this instance might serve as a warning for other clubs looking to sell players while retaining a share of future earnings.

As Barcelona reassesses its strategy in player sales, this deal will undoubtedly spark further debate about how clubs can protect their financial interests when dealing with high-profile transfers. For Nico Gonzalez, the move to Manchester City represents the latest chapter in his career, but for Barcelona, it’s a reminder of how quickly expectations can be altered in the complex world of football transfers.

In the end, the deal for Nico Gonzalez may have been a financial win for Porto, but for Barcelona, it’s a bittersweet reminder of how sometimes, even with the best intentions, things don’t always go according to plan.

Looking ahead, Barcelona will need to focus on securing deals that allow them to both compete financially and improve their squad. While the reduced payout from Nico’s transfer to Manchester City may sting, it’s not the end of their financial journey. The club will need to navigate these challenges carefully as they continue to plan for the future.

The transfer market remains an unpredictable and volatile space, and for clubs like Barcelona, it’s clear that every deal must be scrutinized closely to ensure they are maximizing their potential earnings.