Spain and Celta Vigo forward Nolito has been one of the most consistent performers in La Liga from the last two seasons and it is no surprise that some of the top clubs across Europe are after his signature. Nolito has long been linked with a move back to Barcelona, but Pep Guardiola is set to convince Nolito to move to the Premier League and join him at Manchester City.
Primarily playing as a winger or a supporting forward, Nolito is the talisman of the Celta Vigo side. His impressive performances for Celta even earned him a call-up to the Spain national team.
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His direct style has caused plenty of problems for the opposing defences and his tricks and passing skills make him a key attacking outlet for the La Liga side. Nolito will be hoping to continue his good form and inspire the Spain team in the Euros.
Pep Guardiola gave Nolito his debut at Barcelona, and latest reports claim that the Manchester City boss is ready to meet 18m euros (£13.8m) release clause in Nolito's Celta Vigo contract, which expires in 2018.
Should the Spanish winger join Manchester City, he will become Pep Guardiola’s second big signing after German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.
Nolito will thrive at Manchester City – John Guidetti
Celta Vigo team-mate Joh Guidetti was speaking to reporters after Sweden’s loss to Belgium, and he was full of praise for Nolito:
“He is an amazing footballer, I played with him this year and for a striker to have someone like that playing on the wing for you, it is an absolute pleasure.
“He just brings the ball into you and he has great delivery, you can just see it in the way he has performed at the Euros. I am pleased for him as well because this was a big, big time for him and this is a big opportunity for him. He deserves it.”
Guidetti also spoke about how Nolito’s spell at Celta Vigo will prepare the Spaniard for a spell in Manchester City:
“The way we play football is very attractive. I think that helped him as well because then he got to see a lot of the ball. We keep a lot of possession, we want to play football and that’s the thing he likes.
“So even though he played for Celta Vigo, who are not classed as a big team, he still got to see a lot of the ball and they gave him the game he needs to shine. So I think that was very supportive for him.
“Eventually it [a big move] is going to come, if you are a good player eventually it will come to you.”
Reports claim that Nolito’s move to Manchester City will be completed after Spain’s Euro 2016 campaign.
