Manchester City could reportedly look to use one of two players as ‘bait’ to try and land Bruno Guimares from Newcastle United.
City announced their first signing of the summer earlier this week in the form of Savinho, with the Brazilian winger signing a five-year contract.
Fans are hoping a couple more new faces will follow – and Bruno Guimaraes has been mentioned as a potential midfield signing.
City are understood to be keen to land a defensive midfielder. The club want someone who can provide cover for Rodri, but also potentially play alongside him.
Over the last couple of years, Guimaraes has proven himself as one of the best holding midfielders in the Premier League.
His £100 million release clause recently expired. But there is a chance that Newcastle will still entertain offers – and City could tempt the Magpies to do business by offering one of two players as a potential sweetener.
Man City considering offering Rico Lewis or Oscar Bobb as ‘bait’ to try and land Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle.
It has been boldly claimed today by the Daily Star that Manchester City could try and sign Bruno Guimaraes by offering one of Rico Lewis or Oscar Bobb as makeweight.
Newcastle still value Guimaraes around the £100 million mark.
But City feel the Brazilian is actually worth somewhere in the region of £80 million.
Interestingly, it is stated that Newcastle have an interest in City youngsters Lewis and Bobb, and this interest could be key in bringing a deal to fruition.
City are said to be ready to send one of them on loan to Newcastle, plus cash, in exchange for Guimaraes
The Daily Star do say that neither Lewis nor Bobb have been made available for permanent transfers by City this summer, with both being viewed as ‘integral’ to the club’s long-term future.
But the publication suggests that City could be willing to lose one temporarily to help them land a top target in Guimaraes.
Last term, Lewis made 27 appearances for a total of 1608 minutes, and Bobb featured slightly less, making 26 appearances for 819 minutes.
A very bold claim
As amazing as it would be to see Guimaraes in a City shirt, and as much as Pep Guardiola admires the player and as much as City do need cover and competition for Rodri, this just doesn’t feel like something City would do.
Lewis and Bobb are among the best young players in world football.
Given the form of Kyle Walker last season, it may well be that Lewis is in line for a bit more game time at the Etihad next season. Plus, he can obviously play in midfield as well.
And then Bobb is just a technically gifted winger who many behind the scenes at City are extremely excited about. He will be hoping for a natural increase in his minutes after enjoying an impressive breakthrough campaign in 2023/24.
We will see how it transpires. But it would be slightly surprising.
That said, given the recent addition of Savinho, perhaps Bobb being offered on loan in a deal to sign Guimaraes wouldn’t be massively shocking. If that were to be the case, then it’s important City don’t agree to any options or obligations to buy.
