Rijo Sam Daniel
Transfer News: Newcastle United beat Manchester United in pursuit of Olympique Lyon midfielder Bruno Guimaraes
According to Sky Sports, Newcastle United have reached an agreement to sign Olympique Lyon midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, beating Manchester United in the process to get his services. He has been one of the few positives for his side this season as they have largely underperformed in Ligue 1.
Newcastle have agreed to pay a fee of around £30million for Guimaraes as they look to boost their squad ahead of a crucial five-month period. He is set to undergo a medical as a result of the potential transfer. Arsenal were also keen on getting his signature just like Man United, but this would be a big blow to their interests as well.
Paris Saint-Germain were keeping tabs on the situation but it seems that the Toons have won this particular race. However, what’s intriguing is that Lyon have come out and denied such an agreement, leading to further confusion. It is still claimed that all parties are confident about getting the deal over the line in the coming days.
Big miss
The 24-year-old is a technically gifted player and a solid defensive midfielder. Our lack of depth in that particular position is clear, with Nemanja Matic’s ageing body offering very little help to Scott McTominay and Fred in the middle of the park. The latter two can arguably be upgraded upon themselves.
One could argue that since the French club refuted the agreement, we could still have a chance at signing Bruno. But they have pulled off a similar stunt before. The whole fiasco involved Ferland Mendy and his move to Real Madrid, which eventually resulted in him joining them after a few days.
Donny van de Beek has uncertainty surrounding his future at Old Trafford since there has not been any change in his situation under Ralf Rangnick. Jesse Lingard and Paul Pogba have entered the final six months of their current deal so they could leave us next summer as free agents.
In such a situation, it would always come as a blow when any news claims that United have failed in their pursuit to sign a talented defensive midfielder. At 24, he is yet to enter the prime of his career and it is a shame to think that those years would unfold at St. James’ Park.
The Magpies are threatened with relegation and despite signing the likes of Chris Wood and Kieran Trippier, no one can guarantee that Eddie Howe’s side will beat the drop this season. In such a situation, it is certainly brave of the Brazilian if he has indeed picked Newcastle over other suitors.
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Since this matter is most likely out of our hands, the board would be wise to look towards other targets. We are treading on thin ice here since the club has not made any additions in central midfield despite the obvious need for it. Whether they will address it before the window closes or not remains to be seen.
