Bruno Guimaraes has addressed Manchester City’s reported interest in him after revealing a chat with Pep Guardiola – but stressed how much he is enoying life at Newcastle.
The Brazilian midfielder was reportedly a target for the Premier League champions in the summer, with a £100million release clause in his Magpies contract expiring in July.
No club came in and the 27-year-old was subsequently made captain by Eddie Howe in August before making 14 appearances this season.
Guimaraes has been a key player for the Geordies in joining from Lyon in January 2022 and is a real fan favourite in the North East.
In a recent interview while on international duty, the playmaker admitted there has been interest from City but stressed his commitment to Newcastle.
He told Brazilian outlet Globo: “I believe that at my club I am an idol and I have a lot of respect.
I am the captain of Newcastle and it is something that if you had asked me three years ago, my biggest dream would have been to play in the Premier League. Playing, being an idol, being captain is something wonderful. I really like Newcastle.
“Of course, having Manchester City’s suggestions shows that I am at a high level, but it was nothing more than suggestions.
“I know that Guardiola likes my football, it is normal to have great coaches who admire your football.
“We have spoken once, I praised his work, he praised my work, but it was nothing more than that.”
🔵🇧🇷 Bruno Guimarães on Manchester City links: “It shows I’m at a high level, but nothing more than rumours… I spoke to Pep once, I praised his work, he praised my work”.
“I know Guardiola likes my football, it’s normal to have great coaches admire your football”, told Globo. pic.twitter.com/13W72Nwq4W
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 20, 2024
What Pep Guardiola said about Guimaraes
Guardiola has spoken glowingly of Guimaraes in the past, singling him out ahead of City’s clash with the Toon in the FA Cup in March.
The Catalan boss said: “He is an exceptional holding midfielder. He is aggressive, with the ball or without the ball,” Guardiola said.
“At set pieces, he’s aggressive and is a real, complete holding midfielder since being at Lyon and now at a club who want to grow up and up.
“I’m sure he’s part of the project for the next years. Definitely.”
