18 months ago, the talk leading into the summer of 2024 centred around Newcastle’s PSR position and a £100m Bruno Guimaraes release clause that expired at the end of June that year.
Since then, the Brazilian has lifted the Carabao Cup at Wembley in March, become the club’s team captain and cemented himself as a key player in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil side ahead of next year’s World Cup.
One man who has rarely hidden his admiration for the 28-year-old is Pep Guardiola, who has spoken highly of Bruno ahead of Man City’s trip to St James’ Park tomorrow night.
Pep admits he’s “always been a big fan of Bruno”, ever since he was at Lyon, describing him as a “special player” and “idol” on Tyneside who has been an incredible signing for Newcastle who keeps on getting “better and better.”
“I’ve always been a big fan of Bruno Since he was in Lyon you start to realise that he is a special player.
“Newcastle made an incredible [signing]. He’s an idol there.
“These players when they play a lot, season by season, go to the national team, get better and better. Always I have been a big fan of him!”
Discussing previous links to Man City and his chats with Guardiola during an interview last year, Bruno said: “Of course, having Manchester City’s suggestions shows that I am at a high level, but it was nothing more than suggestions.
“I know that Guardiola likes my football, it is normal to have great coaches who admire your football. We have spoken once after the interview, I praised his work, he praised my work, but it was nothing more than that.”