Spain international Nolito signs for Man City
Nolito has officially signed for Manchester City after they trigged his release clause from former club Celta Vigo believed to be worth just £13.8m.
The Spain forward, 29, can play in any role across the front positions, and was handed the number 9 shirt by City’s new manager Pep Guardiola after signing a four-year-deal.
Guardiola promoted him to Barcelona’s first team where he made five appearances under Guardiola in the 2010/11 season before Nolito moved on to Benfica and later Celta Vigo in search of more playing time.
A goal-scoring pacy forward, Nolito scored 39 goals in 103 appearances for Celta Vigo and was a member of the Spain squad at Euro 2016.
Nolito is an experienced player who knows what is expected of him in a Guardiola team and could well be deployed on the left flank or as a false 9.
Late International recognition for a winger with end product
Nolito only made his international debut for Spain aged 28 in a 1-0 defeat against Germany but has gone on to score five goals in 13 games.
Nolito started all three group games for Spain at this summer’s European Championships and the Round of 16 defeat to Italy.
He scored a goal and provided an assist for Alvaro Morata’s opening goal against Turkey in a group game.
Swiss striker joins Manchester City; Jack Byrne goes on loan to Blackburn Rovers
With the opening of the transfer window today, City have also moved to sign Lorenzo Gonzalez from Servette.
City beat the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United to sign the 16-year-old Swiss striker on a four year deal.
Gonzalez is expected to join City’s under 18 team.
Jack Byrne, 20, will join Blackburn Rovers on loan next season.
The highly rated Republic of Ireland U21 midfielder spent last season on loan with SC Cambuur in the Dutch Eredivisie where he scored four goals in 27 games.