Priority Manchester City transfer target addresses future in bombshell 83-word statement

Manchester City summer transfer target Bruno Guimaraes has addressed his Newcastle United future with a major online statement.

The 26-year-old has been heavily linked with a £100 million exit from St James’ Park this summer, with Manchester City, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain all linked with a record-breaking move for the Newcastle and Brazil midfielder.

The Brazilian has been on Tyneside since a £40 million move from Lyon in January 2022, and featured in 37 Premier League matches for Newcastle last season, as well as in all six UEFA Champions League matches for Eddie Howe’s side.

Guimaraes was involved in 15 Premier League goals for Newcastle last season, and registered 17 direct goal involvements in 50 appearances across all competitions for the Magpies.

The midfielder had been linked with a move to a club with Champions League football for the 2024/25 season, after Newcastle failed to qualify for any of the three UEFA competitions for the upcoming campaign, despite playing in the Champions League last year.

Manchester City had also been expected to bolster their midfield ahead of the new season, with Guardiola’s only first-team addition to date being the signing of forward Savinho from ES Troyes.

Savinho featured at the Copa America in the United States alongside Guimaraes this summer, but isn’t set to be joined by his international teammate at the Etihad Stadium next season.

Announcing plans to remain at St James’ Park for the 2024/25 campaign despite the possibility of a £100 million exit, the Brazilian wrote on social media platform X: “I’m very happy to be starting another season with this club that has done so much for me since my first day here.

“I’m glad to be back and more prepared than ever to have a brilliant season and to help Newcastle reach the highest possible position!

“Another dream has come true! Being the captain of this team is everything I’ve always dreamed of but never imagined! We’re in this together, and I’m sure I’ll be more dedicated than ever to this badge.”

Manchester City could still be forced into the transfer market ahead of the new season, with the future of Julian Alvarez still be to resolved, amid interest from both Atletico Madrid and PSG.