Newcastle United are finding it difficult to difficult to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, and that could see them sell their star midfielder Bruno Guimaraes for less than the £100m Manchester City were quoted in the summer.
Bruno Guimaraes, 27, is a fan favourite at St James’ Park, thanks to his consistency, leadership, tenacity, work rate and passion. He has been one of the first names on Eddie Howe’s team sheet ever since arriving from Lyon in January 2022. The central midfielder has racked up 126 appearances for the Magpies, scoring 18 goals.
The Brazilian has only recently signed a new long-term deal with Newcastle United but was angry with his teammates’ performances during the 4-2 defeat to Brentford earlier this month. Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola reportedly is an admirer of Bruno and wants to sign him in January as a replacement for the injured Rodri. He has asked the chiefs at the Etihad Stadium to sign the midfielder, who interestingly is open to the move.
Although Newcastle’s owners, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) would be desperate to keep hold of the South American talent, it will be difficult given the player has set high standards and wants to compete in the Champions League every season.
Newcastle would demand a sizeable fee for his signature, potentially between £60m-£80m which is unlike the £100m figure that was attached to the buyout clause Bruno previously had in his contract.
Pep Guardiola wants Bruno at Man City
Manchester City are in a full-blown crisis mode. The defeat in the Manchester derby was their eighth in last 11 games across all competitions. The Sky Blues’ season has unravelled in recent weeks and they are in danger of being out of the title race by Christmas while progression to the Champions League knockout rounds is not yet secured.
Since Rodri suffered a season-ending knee injury in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal, Man City’s form has tumbled and they now find themselves fifth in the league, nine points behind league leaders Liverpool with a game played more.
Pep Guardiola has yet to found a solution to his midfield conundrum following Rodri’s injury absence, and with every defeat, his desperation to strengthen the squad in 2025 transfer intervals is increasing. The Spaniard has supposedly set his sights on signing Bruno from Newcastle.
Technically gifted and tactically smart, Bruno’s profile comes closer to Rodri’s, and he could be a sensational signing for City if they can agree on a fee with Newcastle next month. Operating as a deep-lying playmaker, he sets the tempo of games for Newcastle and can essay a similar role for Guardiola’s City.
With the threat of Premier League’s PSR looming large, Newcastle could be forced to take a bold decision and sell Bruno in January.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
