"Nico Gonzalez is going to be better than Sergio Busquets. He is more complete. He can play as a central midfielder because he's better at when going forward, he's more intense, he plays well with his head, he is right-footed by plays very well with both feet, he's tall and strong. A typical no.8," former Barcelona director Xavier Vilajoana has said, as quoted by Diario Sport.
Nico has been a key player at Barca B in the 2020/21 season, playing 1,788 minutes across 24 matches and recording two assists.
He's been used both as a defensive midfielder and central midfielder. It's said that the 19-year-old will do the pre-season with the first team this summer.
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Barcelona prefer Nico Gonzalez promotion to Ryan Gravenberch transfer (reliability: 4 stars)
Barcelona have officially extended the deal with 19-year-old defensive midfielder Nico Gonzalez, setting a stunning €500m release clause.
Let's take a deeper look inside his profile.
He's son of ex-Barca board member
Nico Gonzalez is the son of Fran (Francisco Javier Gonzalez Perez), Barcelona's La Masia staff member who worked at the club between 2013 and 2016.
Fran left the club for Manchester City at the same time as Pep Guardiola became the Citizens' head coach.
His new release clause is among the highest
Only Leo Messi and Antoine Griezmann have higher 'clausulas' than the 19-year-old – €700m and €800m respectively.
He's one of Barca B key players
Nico has accumulated 1,682 minutes of play under Garcia Pimienta this season – only defenders Arnau Comas and Mika Marmol, as well as winger Konrad de la Fuente have played more often for Barca B this term.
He's a real fighter
Nico has recently played against Ibiza despite suffering from severe gastroenteritis (a stomach bug), as per CatRadio.
The 19-year-old was on the pitch for 84 minutes and played a big role in the team's 2-1 win over the league leaders.
Koeman appreciates him
A few months ago already, it was reported that the Dutchman was keeping track of the youngster's progress.
There's now a big chance that the midfielder will complete at least part of the pre-season with the first team.
Barcelona prefer Nico Gonzalez promotion to Ryan Gravenberch transfer (reliability: 4 stars)
Barcelona do not intend to sign Ryan Gravenberch this summer despite closely following the Ajax starlet, according to Diario AS.
Instead, the Catalans want to promote Barca B midfielder Nico Gonzalez to the first team next term, as per the source.
The La Masia graduate extended his contract with the Blaugrana until 2024 earlier this week so it would be no surprise if Nico makes his senior debut next term.
What's more, Gravenberch, who turns 19 on Sunday, is now valued at €28m by Transfermakrt. Given that his agent is Mino Raiola, the Dutchman's move could cost Barca up to €50m.
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