{"id":265550,"date":"2026-10-02T16:10:12","date_gmt":"2026-10-02T16:10:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/10\/02\/better-than-nico-gonzalez-how-newcastle-can-sign-gerrard-esque-midfielder\/"},"modified":"2026-10-02T16:10:12","modified_gmt":"2026-10-02T16:10:12","slug":"better-than-nico-gonzalez-how-newcastle-can-sign-gerrard-esque-midfielder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/10\/02\/better-than-nico-gonzalez-how-newcastle-can-sign-gerrard-esque-midfielder\/","title":{"rendered":"Better than Nico Gonzalez: How Newcastle can sign “Gerrard-esque” midfielder"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Given the sheer amount of change at Newcastle United<\/a> this summer, Matthias Jaissle will be forgiven for taking time to adapt to the demands of the Premier League<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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The German has been tasked with picking up the mess left behind during the summer transfer window, which saw numerous key members of the squad depart for pastures new.<\/p>\n

However, during the closing stages of the same window, he did manage to secure the services of one player who will hope to be the next success story on Tyneside.<\/p>\n

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\n <\/picture>REUTERS\/Lee Smith<\/small><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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\n How Gonzalez has started life at Newcastle in 2026\/27<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n

To soften the blow of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali\u2019s departure from Newcastle, the hierarchy spent a reported \u00a352m to secure the services of midfielder Nico Gonzalez<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Spaniard, who arrived from Manchester City, was seen as a player to transform the Magpies\u2019 midfield, but it\u2019s safe to say his time on Tyneside has yet to ignite.<\/p>\n

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\"nico-gonzalez-newcastle-spurs\"\n <\/picture>REUTERS\/Chris Radburn<\/small><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

He\u2019s featured in three league games since his big-money arrival this summer, but has failed to feature for the entire 90 minutes in any of the aforementioned outings.<\/p>\n

During his subsequent outings, Gonzalez has only managed to win 2.6 ground duels per 90 – with such a figure ranking him in the bottom 15% of all midfielders in England\u2019s top-flight.<\/p>\n

Such a figure demonstrates his inability to deliver a solid ball-winning presence at the heart of the side – something which has been lacking since the departures of Guimaraes and Tonali.<\/p>\n

He\u2019s also been dribbled past a remarkable 3.2 times per 90 during his three league outings, with only one player in the division registering more so far this campaign.<\/p>\n

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\n Why Newcastle still need another new midfielder<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n

After clinching the signature of Gonzalez during the summer window, many Newcastle fans would have thought the club had landed a superb replacement to soften the blow of the big-name departures.<\/p>\n

However, as seen by his stats, it\u2019s safe to say the Spaniard has struggled to make an immediate impact on Tyneside – leading to fans questioning his long-term suitability.<\/p>\n

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\n
\"nico-gonzalez-newcastle\"\n <\/picture>Action Images via Reuters\/Lee Smith<\/small><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Whilst the big-money addition still has plenty of time to transform his fortunes, the early signs have been worrying, to say the least, and he\u2019s in desperate need of a run of good form.<\/p>\n

Within Jaissle\u2019s midfield, the likes of Sam Steur and Aladji Bamba have also recently made moves to England, but both are certainly seen as more long-term investments for the Magpies.<\/p>\n

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PL mins for Newcastle’s summer arrivals<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n

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Player<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

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PL mins<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

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Luk\u00e1\u0161 Horn\u00ed\u010dek<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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450<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Amar Dedi\u0107<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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327<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Sean Steur<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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225<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Nico Gonz\u00e1lez<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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167<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Mat\u00edas Fern\u00e1ndez-Pardo<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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159<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Bazoumana Tour\u00e9<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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50<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Aladji Bamba<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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27<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Ewen Jaouen<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n

As a result, the upcoming January window could see fresh opportunities arise for the hierarchy to improve such a department.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n How Newcastle can land a Gonzalez upgrade this January<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n

Despite the winter window not opening for another couple of months, the Newcastle hierarchy have already started to line up a couple of possible additions to improve Jaissle\u2019s squad.<\/p>\n

Brighton & Hove Albion star Yasin Ayari has been mooted as a possible transfer target<\/a>, but Fabian Hurzeler\u2019s men are said to be reluctant to let the Swedish international depart.<\/p>\n

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\n \"yasin-ayari-sweden\"\n <\/picture>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Borussia Dortmund are also said to be keen on the youngster, who could be available if an offer in the region of \u00a352m is presented during the upcoming window.<\/p>\n

However, he\u2019s not the only target currently in their sights, with Olympique Lyon midfielder Tyler Morton another option currently under strong consideration.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s been reported by Football Insider that the Magpies were previously interested in a move for the Englishman back in the summer, but could revisit a move this winter.<\/p>\n