BREAKING: Manchester City agrees pre-contract deal to sign top Premier league talent in a mega swap swap deal after Guardiola personally contacts player to convince him to join and help his 5th successive record PL title chase….Read more belows….
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly placed Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes at the top of his wish list as the club seeks to strengthen its central midfield options in 2025. The Premier League champions are said to be prioritizing a squad overhaul after recent transfer windows where spending was more restrained.
Revamping the Squad
Guardiola’s squad has seen notable departures, including Julian Alvarez, who moved out of the goalscoring department, and high-profile sales such as Sergio Gomez to Real Sociedad, Joao Cancelo to Al-Hilal, and Liam Delap to Ipswich Town. Despite these exits, City only managed to secure two incoming players last summer: the return of Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer from Barcelona and the acquisition of Savinho from ESTAC Troyes, part of the wider City Football Group.
While there was widespread anticipation that Manchester City would invest heavily in midfield reinforcements last summer, the club ultimately passed on several options. Gundogan’s return offered a temporary solution, but injuries, such as the long-term one suffered by Rodri, have exposed the need for a more sustainable strategy. This has heightened the urgency to recruit midfield talent in 2025, potentially starting as early as January.
Bruno Guimaraes on Guardiola’s Radar
According to MailSport’s Craig Hope, Guardiola has “insisted” that Bruno Guimaraes, Newcastle’s midfield maestro, be included in City’s transfer considerations. The Brazilian, who is integral to Eddie Howe’s plans and serves as Newcastle’s captain, is seen as an ideal candidate to bolster City’s midfield. Sources in Manchester suggest the club aims to sign at least two midfielders in 2025, with one potentially arriving in January, and Guimaraes is a key target.
However, from Newcastle’s perspective, selling Guimaraes mid-season would be highly unlikely. Manager Eddie Howe is reportedly resistant to the idea, as the Brazilian is critical to the team’s ambitions. That said, financial realities and PSR (Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules) may force the Magpies to part with a marquee player next summer, making City’s pursuit more plausible.
Potential Trade-Offs and Alternatives
Interestingly, last summer, when Guimaraes was first linked to Manchester City, there were rumors of a potential swap deal involving City’s Matheus Nunes. While nothing materialized, Newcastle’s sporting director, Paul Mitchell, is known to maintain a strong professional relationship with City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain. This connection could pave the way for negotiations, though no discussions have reportedly taken place yet.
Guimaraes is not the only name on City’s radar. Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi and Atalanta’s Ederson are also being considered. Zubimendi, who was heavily courted by Liverpool last summer, decided to stay with Real Sociedad. The Spanish midfielder shares a close bond with Rodri, which some believe could influence City’s chances of landing him. Meanwhile, Atalanta’s Ederson offers another Brazilian option, bringing dynamism and creativity to the midfield.
Additionally, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton has emerged as a potential target. The young England international has impressed since his move from Blackburn, but Palace reportedly remains unwilling to entertain offers, especially in the January window.
Guardiola’s Long-Term Vision
With Guardiola under contract until 2027, the Manchester City manager is deeply involved in reshaping his squad to maintain the club’s dominance domestically and in Europe. The pursuit of Guimaraes underscores City’s ambition to secure top-tier talent capable of sustaining their midfield’s quality and depth for years to come. Whether it involves significant bids or strategic negotiations, 2025 promises to be a pivotal year for Manchester City’s recruitment strategy.
As the January window approaches, all eyes will be on whether City can tempt Newcastle to part with their prized asset or if the Magpies hold firm until the summer. Either way, Guardiola’s determination to land a transformative midfielder like Guimaraes highlights the club’s intent to remain at the pinnacle of world football.
