Nico Gonzalez has confirmed his imminent move from Barcelona to Valencia after Wolves missed out on the chance to bring the La Liga starlet to the Premier League, speaking to Cadena Cope.
Earlier this week, Los Che coach Gennaro Gattuso admitted his interest in Juventus’ Brazil international Arthur Melo. The only problem is, a player with such lofty wage demands was always going to be ‘prohibitive’ – to quote the 2006 World Cup winner – for a club operating on Valencia’s budget.
Nico, at least, feels like the next best thing.
Like Arthur, the 20-year-old La Masia graduate is capable of thriving either as a number six or further forward as a string-pulling ‘eight’.
Nico has been described by many as the second coming of Sergio Busquets. Celta Vigo talisman Iago Aspas, meanwhile, feels that Nico has the talent and potential to become even more influential than Barca’s very own golden boy Pedri. High praise indeed.
“He looks tremendous. His father (Deportivo legend Fran) was one of the best players in the history of Galicia, but Nico can be better,” Aspas said. “Seeing his performances, he is qualified to be with the (Spanish) national team.
“Pedri is a bit more complete. But, out of the current young players, I would still choose Nico. He is the type of player who will shine even more in the future.”
Wolves miss out as Valencia agree Nico Gonzalez deal
According to the Daily Mail, a Wolverhampton Wanderers side crying out for midfield reinforcements held talks with Nico earlier this week. But Nico will put pen to paper instead with another club who have Jorge Mendes – Nico’s agent – on speed dial.
“I’m very happy. I’ve been excited for a couple of days to get here,” the youngster told the media after arriving in Valencia on Wednesday night.
Nico joins the 2000 Champions League runners-up on loan for the season. In his farewell message to the Barcelona supporters, however, he is keen to stress that this is ‘not a goodbye, it’s a see you later’.
“At 20 years old I need to play a lot of minutes,” Nico writes on Instagram. “For that reason, I decided that the most appropriate thing for me was to do it in another club this season.
“I wish you all the luck in the world and (hope) that you can celebrate many titles. We will meet again in a year. Forza Barca!”
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