Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Manchester City, Newcastle United, Premier League
Luke Davies
Manchester City could pursue Newcastle United's Bruno Guimarães to solve their midfield issues – and his ‘price’ has emerged.
Guimarães, 27, is a mainstay in Eddie Howe’s side, having played 15 Premier League games so far this term.
The Brazilian is a fan favourite on Tyneside and, in many ways, is a symbol of progress given the fact he was the first ‘big money’ signing under the new ownership regime – joining the club for £33.3m plus £6.5m add ons in January 2022.
However, Newcastle’s plans of spending big have been stalled to fall in line with financial regulations.
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Guimarães is arguably one of the club’s most valuable players, and he was even ‘considered’ by City in the summer window but was deemed too expensive at the time.
Since then, Ballon d’Or holder Rodri has sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury (ACL).
Stand-in centre-midfielder Mateo Kovacic returned from the November international break with an injury and has missed all five games since.
While Rico Lewis does not seem ready to become a regular starter in the midfield, as a result, City may look to sign a midfielder in January.
Guimarães can score goals, assist and employ the ‘dark arts’ when needed, however, buying such a complete midfielder will not come cheap.
According to The Athletic’s Sam Lee [speaking to Its LB], Newcastle could allow the player to leave for a fee of €80m (£66m) in January.
Neither Manchester City nor Newcastle have commented on the matter.
The Newcastle midfielder has three years remaining on his current contract, which allows the Magpies to command a hefty fee if a club were to sign him.
When Guimarães was linked with a move to City in the summer, ‘sources’ in Manchester suggested that Matheus Nunes could be used as part of a potential swap deal, according to the Mail. But no such move materialised.
Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton are also reportedly being considered.
City have also been linked with Atalanta and Brazil 'number six' Ederson, who has impressed at the Bergamo-based side in recent times.
Of course, any potential transfers could depend on the fitness of Guardiola's midfield options at the time and the stage at which Rodri finds himself during his recovery.