Ex-Manchester City fullback Bacary Sagna says his former club should not sign Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle this summer.
Pep Guardiola’s side and Arsenal have been heavily linked with bids for the Brazilian international, with the player having a £100m release clause in his contract. Speaking to CoinPoker about City’s interest in Guimaraes, Sagna said:
“I don’t think that Manchester City need a player like Bruno; I think City are covered in the middle I really respect the player – I think he has wonderful ability.”
“He is such an important player for Newcastle, I can’t see how they could justify selling him, especially to another team in the Premier League.”
The club do need to strengthen their midfield options
Sagna’s claim that City are well-stocked in the middle of the park is debatable. There are doubts about the futures of Kalvin Phillips, Matheus Nunes, Bernardo Silva and even Kevin De Bruyne.
The Belgian has admitted this week that he would be tempted by a move to Saudi Arabia. The other three names could also depart if suitable bids are tabled over the coming weeks and months.
In that context, the interest in Guimaraes is not surprising. The main question is, though, whether the club is prepared to match their transfer record in order to secure his signature.
City don’t have long to decide on whether to pursue Guimaraes
It is believed that the 26-year-old’s release clause expires on June 24th, which means the Cityzens have less than three weeks to pay the requisite fee.
Considering what Guimaraes could offer the team, there is no doubt that the Premier League champions will seriously consider triggering the clause.
If it is allowed to expire, Newcastle are not expected to sanction his departure so City have a big decision to make.
