Soccer-Newcastle land Gonzalez from Manchester City

Newcastle United have signed Spanish midfielder Nico Gonzalez from ​Manchester City on a long-term contract, ​the Premier League clubs said on ‌Wednesday. Financial details ​were not disclosed, but British media reported the deal to be worth around 52 million pounds ($70.65 million).

The 24-year-old Barcelona academy product leaves ‌City after making 59 appearances and scoring four goals for the club following his move from Porto last year. "I'm really happy to be here at this amazing club. I've only heard top words ‌about the club and the city, so I'm really excited to live here and to ‌be part of this project," Gonzalez said in a club statement.

"I've experienced playing at St James' Park twice with Manchester City and it was really tough. The atmosphere was amazing and the fans are so passionate. I can't wait ⁠to experience ​that as a home ⁠player." Gonzalez had previously said he wanted to remain at City but departs after the club strengthened their midfield options ⁠during the transfer window.

City have completed a deal for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi and also signed Elliot Anderson, ​increasing competition for places in midfield. Gonzalez is the latest midfielder to leave the club this ⁠summer after Bernardo Silva, Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders.

He adds experience to a Newcastle midfield that has undergone major changes, with ⁠Bruno ​Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali among the high-profile departures. "I'm very happy to see Nico become a Newcastle United player. He brings serious quality and elite experience in a key area of the ⁠pitch," Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle said.

Gonzalez, who will wear the number six shirt, was introduced ⁠to supporters at St ⁠James' Park before Newcastle's League Cup match against West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday. The move is Newcastle's seventh senior signing of the summer. ($1 = 0.7360 pounds)