Manchester City has reportedly made contact with Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes, who Pep Guardiola has praised as ‘exceptional’. The club is looking to prioritize a midfield signing for next season.
Pep Guardiola has spoken openly about his respect for the Brazilian ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final against the Magpies. He stated, “He is an exceptional holding midfielder.” He is aggressive whether with or without the ball.
“He’s aggressive at set-pieces and has developed into a true holding midfielder since his time at Lyon and now at a team that wants to see him flourish. I am confident that he will be involved in the initiative over the next few years. Definitely.”
According to AS, City has already contacted Guimaraes’ agents in an attempt to beat the competition this summer. City is reportedly willing to pay his €117 million (£100 million) release clause in three payments.
Guimaraes is also on the radar of Liverpool and Chelsea, who have previously attempted to sign the Brazilian. Manchester United could make a bid as the duo is anticipated to return in the summer.
Guimaraes is also being monitored by clubs outside the Premier League, according to sources. With that said, MEN Sport investigates what has been claimed about Guimaraes.
‘Magnificent’ Bruno
Magpies manager Eddie Howe has made no secret of his admiration for his midfielder, stating: “I thought he was magnificent in every aspect, especially out of possession, because we struggled to get control of the ball.” He’s a tremendously passionate person. I adore that about him. He cares greatly about whether we win or lose. Again, I adore that about him. You need players that put their hearts on their sleeves and are willing to give their all on the pitch. “He is definitely one of those.”
Regarding his impact on games, Howe stated, “I believe he was very, very brilliant with the ball, very imaginative, and managed to connect with the men in front of him.
But, off the ball, I thought he was incredibly terrific, physically strong, and pressed pretty effectively.
“He’s such a key element of our game that it’s physically demanding for him, but he’s able to repeat the physical exertions that we require of him, so I believe his game is in good shape. It must be for us to perform effectively because he is at the center of everything.”
Where he’d fit in at Man City
Guimaraes would suit the profile of the type of player Guardiola wants in his City squad. He would team up with Rodri, although Kalvin Phillips’ future at the Etihad is questionable.
He’s also revealed that he’d like to play alongside Erling Haaland and believes he’d get more assists. “He’s a monster, an amazing player,” he said on the Premier League’s YouTube account. “If I played with him, I’d finish 20 assists a season.”
Relationship with Guardiola
Guimaraes earlier stated, “Pep said I was ‘bueno’; good! We have a terrific friendship, and we have already spoken several times. For me, Pep is a genius and the greatest coach in history.”
Etihad audition
The City leadership will undoubtedly keep an eye on the 26-year-old ahead of the FA Cup quarter-finals against Newcastle later evening (5:30pm). He has faced City in seven games across all competitions and has failed to score a goal, but he did contribute an assist in January’s 3-2 league home defeat.
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