Man City to offer TWO players to Newcastle in exchange for Guimaraes, as De Bruyne agrees exit

Manchester City continues to express strong interest in Newcastle United’s star midfielder, Bruno Guimaraes. Reports suggest that City is prepared to include loan deals for one of two promising players as part of a package to secure the Brazilian international.

Newcastle has set a high bar with a £100 million valuation for Guimaraes, who has become a pivotal figure in Eddie Howe’s squad. His contributions were instrumental in Newcastle’s impressive 2022/23 Premier League campaign, where they secured a fourth-place finish. Despite the speculation, Newcastle has remained resolute in their valuation.

Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s esteemed manager, is known to be a big admirer of Guimaraes. Although City is not willing to meet the £100 million asking price, they are exploring creative ways to make the deal more attractive. This includes potentially lowering the financial outlay by offering player loans.

The speculation around Guimaraes’ future has intensified with the potential departure of Kevin de Bruyne to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad. De Bruyne’s exit would leave a significant gap in City’s midfield, and Guimaraes is seen as a potential replacement. De Bruyne’s move, if finalized, could be pivotal in driving City’s pursuit of Guimaraes.

According to the Daily Star, as reported by Sky Sports News, Manchester City is prepared to loan either Rico Lewis or Oscar Bobb to Newcastle as part of the deal for Guimaraes. This strategic offer aims to bridge the gap between Newcastle’s valuation and what City is willing to pay, reportedly up to £80 million.

If Newcastle agrees to the proposed deal, it would represent a significant profit on the £40 million they paid for Guimaraes in January 2022. However, his departure would create a substantial void in Howe’s squad. Guimaraes has made 107 appearances for Newcastle, contributing 17 goals and 16 assists, underscoring his importance to the team.

The potential loan of Rico Lewis or Oscar Bobb to Newcastle brings intriguing possibilities. Lewis, who played 27 times for City last season, can operate as a defensive midfielder or right-back, offering versatility and depth to Newcastle’s squad. Bobb, an exciting winger, made a notable impact with a last-minute winner against Newcastle last season. His addition could bolster Newcastle’s attacking options.

Despite the attractive offer, Eddie Howe remains extremely reluctant to part with Guimaraes. The Brazilian midfielder’s influence and talent make him a crucial part of Newcastle’s ambitions. However, the financial and strategic elements of the proposed deal from City present a complex decision for the club.

Manchester City’s pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes highlights the dynamic nature of the transfer market and the strategic decisions clubs must make. While City’s creative offer, including player loans and a substantial fee, presents a tempting proposition, Newcastle’s final decision will hinge on balancing immediate squad needs with long-term ambitions.

As the transfer window progresses, the outcome of this potential deal will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.