Manchester United are one of a number of elite European clubs for whom Bruno Guimaraes would be willing to leave Newcastle United this summer, according to a new report.
Brazilian Behemoth
Since arriving from Olympique Lyonnais in January 2022 for a fee totalling £40 million, Guimaraes has firmly established himself as one of the best players in the Premier League. As captain of the Magpies, he has been the standout purchase for the Tyneside club’s Middle Eastern ownership, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia, which holds an 85% majority.
Capable of playing in virtually any role in midfield, the Brazil international possesses a potent combination of physical and technical qualities, combined with an aggressive attitude and unrelenting work rate, which have endeared him to the Toon Army.
Currently on duty for the Seleção at the World Cup in North America alongside Casemiro, Guimaraes would be the perfect successor to the 34-year-old enforcer, who has completed a free transfer to Inter Miami after his contract at Old Trafford ended.
Indeed, Casemiro is understood to have even recommended the Red Devils sign his compatriot to bolster Michael Carrick’s engine room, though Guimaraes’ profile does not entirely align with INEOS’s recruitment model.
With his 29th birthday approaching in November, Guimaraes is significantly older than the players United’s hierarchy typically prefer to target. Too often in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson malaise, ageing players have been signed for big money on big wages with little quality left to give.
A pursuit of the Newcastle maestro, no matter how talented, would represent a significant shift away from this policy, unless there was a major twist which could see him arrive in a cut-price raid – such as Guimaraes pushing for an exit.
Guimaraes makes contact with United
TEAMtalk reveals the Brazilian is “actively weighing up his options away from Newcastle United” as a bombshell departure from St James’ Park gathers pace.
“Sources have revealed to TEAMtalk that both Guimaraes and his representatives are growing increasingly uneasy about the direction of the club. After a disappointing campaign that saw Newcastle finish in the bottom half, the mood has only worsened following the departure of several key figures.
“The exits of Alexander Isak last summer and Anthony Gordon earlier this window – the latter securing a move to Barcelona – have left a significant void in the squad. There is also concern behind the scenes that further disruption could follow, with Sandro Tonali, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento all understood to be assessing their own futures.”
Well-placed sources indicate Guimaraes has now “joined that group of Newcastle players harbouring doubts”, with intermediaries “acting on his behalf have begun exploratory discussions with several top clubs.”
Premier League champions Arsenal are understood to be “among his strongest suitors”, but Manchester United have also been “sounded out” over a potential deal. Liverpool and Manchester City are two other options, while Spanish heavyweights FC Barcelona and Real Madrid have both been “approached” as well.
A transfer fee is not mentioned by TEAMtalk, though previous reports have suggested a price tag in the region of £60 million. In comparison to United’s other midfield targets, this is considerably cheaper for a player who is far more accomplished than players like Mateus Fernandes or Alex Scott.
Final Thoughts
There are few midfielders in Europe with the requisite skillset to effectively replace Casemiro, but Guimaraes is a rare footballer. He is the type of target who is worth ripping up the rulebook for, given scarcity drives demand, and demand dictates price. While it would be far from ideal to invest £60 million or more in a player who turns 30 next year, he is a slam dunk of a signing who is already dominating in the Premier League.
Featured image George Wood via Getty Images
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