So far this summer Manchester City have made four signings. Rayan Ait-Nouri, Marcus Bettinelli, Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders have all signed for Manchester City. Marcus Bettinelli figures to be a player on the periphery of the City squad. There is a huge level of excitement that surrounds the signings of Ait-Nouri, Cherki and Reijnders. All three players figure to be prominent players for Pep Guardiola’s side next season.
But lost amongst the hype and excitement of Manchester City’s new signings is the fact that Nico figures to be an important player for Manchester City next season. The Spanish midfielder joined City from FC Porto on deadline day of the January transfer window. Alongside City’s new signings, Nico will have a big role to play for Pep Guardiola’s side at the Club World Cup and throughout the 25/26 season.
Nico has had six months to adjust to life at Manchester City.
After signing for Manchester City from FC Porto on deadline day, Nico was thrust straight into City’s stuttering midfield. The Spanish midfielder showed flashes of the player that he could become. His performance in Manchester City’s 4-nil win over Newcastle at the Etihad in February was his standout performance. Nico dictated the midfield battle against Eddie Howe’s side and played a key role in Manchester City’s win. That performance was the template for the player that Nico could develop into. But across the first six months of his City career, it was apparent that Nico had to learn the subtleties of playing in Manchester City’s midfield.
At times, Nico’s positioning wasn’t the best, and that is something that he needs to learn. Especially where he needs to position himself in Manchester City’s midfield. He could also get caught too far forward or out of position. But with six months of learning Manchester City’s system under his belt, he should have learned the nuances of playing in City’s midfield.
Nico’s goal against Bournemouth during Manchester City’s 3-1 win over the Cherries showed what type of player he can be for Manchester City. It also provided a glimpse of the best role for him. The Spanish midfielder figures to be a number eight in City’s midfield. Nico doesn’t appear to be a number six by trade. There’s an intelligence to his play going forward and that goal perfectly encapsulated this trait.
What a finish from Nico! 💥🩵 pic.twitter.com/qNPCIkxJ49
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 20, 2025
If Manchester City’s summer signings and Nico gel, Pep Guardiola’s side will be a dangerous proposition.
The signings of Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders do look to have refreshed Manchester City’s midfield. Reijnders will add drive, athleticism and potentially goals to City’s engine room. If Rayan Cherki plays as a number ten, he’ll add immense creativity to City’s attacking play. If Nico can gel with those two players, Manchester City’s midfield will have a completely new look. It will have the energy it lacked so often during the 24/25 season. There is also the potential for Manchester City’s midfield to be a more profound attacking threat in the final third with Nico, Cherki and Reijnders in the mix. But there are two other variables added to the equation.
The first is Rodri. Manchester City’s midfield general will need time to rediscover his touch and form after missing nearly all of last season due to injury. Nico and Tijjani Reijnders can step in and provide cover for Rodri and help him on the pitch. When Rodri returns to full fitness and his best form, his inclusion in the Manchester City squad should see Nico settle into his preferred role. That’s the first variable in Manchester City’s midfield and Nico’s fit into Pep Guardiola’s side.
The second variable is that Nico figures to potentially take over from one of, or all of Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva or Mateo Kovacic. Currently, Mateo Kovacic is injured. The Croatian midfielder underwent Achilles surgery at the end of last season. Question marks surround the futures of Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan. If either player or both leave City, Nico will have a more prominent role to play. With Mateo Kovacic sidelined for a prolonged period, Nico figures to take some of his minutes. So Nico’s importance to Manchester City is clear to see.
Summary.
Amongst the excitement that surrounds Manchester City’s new signings, Nico has been forgotten to a degree. But the Spanish midfielder figures to be an important player for Manchester City at the Club World Cup and next season. If he gels with Rodri, Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders in particular, the Spanish midfielder will become an important cog in Pep Guardiola’s machine.
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