The closing of the winter transfer market has brought a big surprise for FC Barcelona. Barcelona has confirmed two important sales, highlighting the transfer of Nico González to Manchester City.
The operation, which amounts to 60 million euros, has caused a considerable capital gain for Barça. Below, we explain all the details of this surprising transaction.
Nico González leaves Porto for Manchester City
The Spanish midfielder Nico González has been one of the protagonists of this transfer market closure. After standing out at Porto, Manchester City paid the 60 million clause for Nico González. The sale of Nico González, for 8.5 million in 2023, has left an important gain for Barça, although not expected.
The capital gain for Barça: 10.3 million euros
Barcelona reserved a percentage of the capital gain for Nico when selling him to Porto, in case of a future transfer. The agreement specified that Barça would receive 40% of the profits from a future transfer.
However, Porto has opted to buy half of that capital gain for 3 million euros. This means that Barça is left with only 20% of the capital gain, which, in this case, will bring them 10.3 million euros.
This surprise income is an economic relief for Barça, which is in a complicated financial situation. Although the figure is considerable, it doesn't reach the amounts that were initially handled if the percentage of the capital gain had been complete.
An unexpected but necessary transfer for Manchester City
The sale of Nico González to Manchester City has been accelerated in recent weeks due to the needs of Pep Guardiola's team. The injury of Rodri, one of City's pillars, left the team without a reliable defensive midfielder.
In this situation, Guardiola specifically requested a player who could fill the absence of his compatriot, and Nico has been the answer. The Spanish midfielder, who has established himself as one of Porto's key figures, will bring balance and tactical flexibility to the English team, which has had an irregular start to the season.
A happy ending for Barça
Although Barça has not received everything it expected from the capital gain of Nico's sale, the operation is still beneficial for the club's coffers. With 21.8 million received for Nico, Deco has closed a positive cycle in the sale of La Masia players.
Although the club is not in its best economic moment, the sale of Nico and the management of resources can be key for FC Barcelona's immediate future.