Manchester City are considering to make a move for Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United as an upgrade over Mateo Kovacic.
Despite being successful, Pep Guardiola and City have not thoroughly enjoyed this season. The Manchester blues recorded a historic 4th-in-a-row Premier League title. However, the Citizens were unable to replicate their treble tales of 2023. City fell agonizingly short in the Champions League quarter finals as they would endure a loss on penalties at the Etihad.
Moreover, Manchester United would get the better of City in a FA Cup final with a shocking win at Wembley. With the squad quality and Guardiola’s mastermind at work, the Citizens were surely hoping to achieve more. Furthermore, City’s league win wasn’t entirely convincing either as they would go on and secure the title on the final matchday.
Manchester City keen to reinvent midfield
Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne recently spoke about being open to a move to Saudi. De Bruyne leaving would be a huge blow to the fans and a big hole to fill at the Etihad. Moreover, the 32-year old won’t be getting any younger.
Matheus Nunes has not really been able to shine at Etihad just yet. Additionally, Kalvin Philips never got a real chance with limited gametime at City. Moreover, Bernardo Silva has also caught interest of many top tier European clubs like PSG. Mateo Kovacic has also turned 30 this summer.
26-year old Bruno Guimaraes is a potential target for the Citizens. The Brazilian has £100 million release clause in his contract valid until the end of June. However, City will have to act fast if they want Guimaraes. The Manchester Blues are currently leading the race over the Brazilian ahead of Arsenal and PSG.
“My intention would be to keep Bruno here for as long as we possibly can… but I can never make any guarantees as that would be foolish”.
How is Bruno Guimaraes an upgrade for Manchester City?
Guimaraes holds the advantage of being young over Kovacic. Moreover, the 26-year old is currently at the prime of his career and looking sharper than ever. While Kovacic may have won more silverware, Guimaraes is well clear off the Croatian this season.
The Brazilian managed 7 goals in the league this season to Kovacic’s 1. The 26-year old had 1 more key pass per game and thrice the number of big chances created when compared to the Croatian. Moreover, the Brazilian would manage to set-up 8 goals for his team while Kovacic ended the league campaign with no assists. Additionally, Guimaraes would win 5 more duels per game when tallied with Kovacic.
Guimaraes and Rodri: City’s new midfield maestros?
Rodri has been a key player for City right since his arrival. The Spaniard has proven to be a big game player time and time again delivering the goods on crucial occasions. Rodri scored the winning goal in the Champions League final win over Inter in 2023.
Guimaraes likes to attack and dictate the tempo of the game. Rodri’s defensive attributes coupled with Guimaraes’ creativity could create invaluable turnovers for City. The Brazilian has engaged in a midfield battle with Rodri before and described it to be ‘annoying’ as it would frustrate him.
Moreover, many believe that Guimaraes checks most of the boxes of Guardiola’s required profile. Furthermore, Lucas Paqueta’s move to City collapsed due to betting allegations. The Citizens would be keen to invest in and secure the services of his Brazilian counterpart.
More clarification over Bruno Guimaraes’ transfer saga is expected as the summer transfer window unfolds.
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