Man City: Bruno Guimaraes transfer news

Manchester City are thought to be interested in signing Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes this summer, according to a recent report.

The Lowdown: City set for rebuild?

It has been reported by GiveMeSport that a trio of Man City players could be set to leave the club in the summer transfer window, with Ilkay Gundogan, Aymeric Laporte and Bernardo Silva all tipped for exits.

With two of those players operating in midfield, and Rodri also being linked with a departure at the end of the season, Pep Guardiola may be forced into strengthening in the centre of the park, and the Sky Blues have been linked with several options.

City are said to be in ‘pole position’ to sign Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, as a result of the £40m buy-back clause they inserted into his contract when they allowed him to leave last summer, and Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister has also been named as a potential target.

The Latest: Guimaraes targeted

According to the print edition of the Sunday Mirror (19/03/2023, p78), via The Manchester Evening News, Man City have a ‘strong interest’ in Guimaraes, and could make a move for the midfielder in the summer transfer window.

There may be competition for the Brazilian’s signature, however, as Real Madrid are also thought to be interested. In order to win the race, the Sky Blues could offer Kalvin Phillips as a bargaining chip, with the midfielder struggling to break into the first team.

The Verdict: Get it done?

The central midfielder has been a vital player for Newcastle ever since his arrival in the Premier League, making a total of 20 top-flight appearances so far this season, during which time he has weighed in with three goals and three assists.

Hailed as ‘incredible’ by Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, the 25-year-old is ranked as the Magpies’ fourth-best performing player in the league, as per SofaScore, recording an average match rating of 7.11, the highest of any midfielder.

Over the course of the past year, the maestro has averaged 0.26 non-penalty goals per 90, placing him in the 97th percentile compared to other midfielders, while he is also solid defensively, ranking in the 90th percentile for tackling.

Given that he is a threat going forward, as well as being skilled in the defensive side of the game, Guimaraes would be an excellent addition to the squad, however, it would not be a surprise if Newcastle are unwilling to sell, in light of his performances this season.