Manchester City could land one of their transfer targets for less than the value of his buyout due to a special clause.
Pep Guardiola is expected to strengthen his squad this summer and a new midfielder is something that has been reported about for a while.
There have been quite a few reports about Lucas Paqueta coming in, after the club attempted to sign him from West Ham United last summer.
But he is more of a box-to-box or attacking player, and some feel City need cover for Rodri.
Recently, it has been suggested that the club are interested in Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes, and apparently, an approach has already been made.
Interestingly, there is a chance that City might be able to land Guimaraes for less than his actual release clause…
Manchester City target Bruno Guimaraes has special clause aimed at Champions League clubs
Bruno Guimaraes was Newcastle’s first marquee signing following their takeover by PIF, and since his arrival in English football, he has really caught the eye.
The Brazilian is a firm favourite with the Magpies faithful, and has shown his quality across his 101 appearances for the club to date.
It is little wonder that big clubs are interested in him, with City included.
According to 90min, when Guimaraes signed for Newcastle, a £100 million release clause was put in place. However, there is a ‘verbal agreement’ between Guimaraes and the club for the player to be able to talk to Champions League clubs to sign him for lower than that £100 million figure.
If said Champions League clubs offer at least £80 million, then Newcastle will consider selling. The club will at least engage with the potential suitor.
Bruno Guimaraes would be a top signing by City – and one Rodri would surely love
It remains to be seen if City will make an approach for Guimaraes this summer. But it is suggested by 90min that Newcastle will need to make a big sale this summer, so as not to fall foul of PSR.
Another player they could move on is Alex Isak.
But there is a chance that Newcastle will cash in on Guimaraes if someone triggers his release clause or a Champions League club offers above £80 million.
City may well feel there is great value in that, because Guimaraes is proven in the Premier League at this point. Even Pep Guardiola has already branded him ‘exceptional’.
It is high time that the club actually brought in a top quality player capable of playing in Rodri’s position. But the good thing with Guimaraes is that he also has the capacity to operate further forward, so it’s not like he’d be rooted to the bench.