Pep Guardiola, a long time admirer of star man Bruno Guimaraes, is reportedly pushing for Manchester City to sign the Brazilian and bring him to the Etihad in a future transfer window.
City were linked with our star midfielder over the summer, but resisted the chance to activate his £100m release clause; much to the delight of Newcastle United fans and Toon boss Eddie Howe.
But, a few months later The Mail’s Craig Hope reports that Guardiola wants to sign TWO new midfielders in 2025 and has ‘insisted’ on Guimaraes’ inclusion in their transfer shortlist. But there’s more.
Nunes one to watch?
Hope hints that a part-exchange deal could be ‘one to watch’, with his sources in Manchester relaying that former Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes ‘could be used as part of a deal’ should City move for Guimaraes.
The Portuguese international was linked with Newcastle during his time at Sporting Lisbon and impressed at Molineux before making a £53m move to City last summer. A good player, yes, but he’s no Bruno.
His report states that Pep ‘loves’ Bruno and were set to make a move in the summer, only to be put off by his £100m release clause, leading them to sign Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer from Barcelona instead.
The Mail state that Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton are also on City’s shortlist, with the club determined to be less reliant on Rodri; who has left a gaping hole in their midfield following a season-ending injury.
Back to Bruno, Hope reports that Paul Mitchell and Man City director Txiki Begiristain – who are said to have a positive relationship – have had no discussions at this time.
Bruno pivotal to Newcastle’s plans
It goes without saying, but Bruno is a world class operator, a brilliant character and now the club captain. We must do everything in our power to keep him at the club, even if interest from Guardiola would be tough to turn down.
The 27-year-old, who is adored on Tyneside and a starter for Brazil, has at least three years left on his current contract, which should allow Newcastle to once again demand a significant fee for Bruno’s services.
So far this season, Guimaraes has recorded three assists in the Premier League this season, with two of those coming in Wednesday’s 3-3 draw with Liverpool.
PSR issues obviously remain a persistent issue on Tyneside and some feel the departure of Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon, or Alexander Isak seems inevitable at some stage if we don’t get back into the Champions League soon.
However, Guardiola’s admiration of the player should only serve as a reminder of just how world-class Guimaraes is, and that replacing the former Lyon man would be the most unenviable task.