Revealed: Manchester City made early summer attempt to sign Newcastle United star | OneFootball

Manchester City lodged inquiries over the possibility of signing one of Eddie Howe’s crucial Newcastle United components early in the summer transfer window.

The summer of 2025 was always expected to be a defining one for Manchester City’s midfield structure, particularly amid the eventual departure of İlkay Gündoğan after Kevin De Bruyne, and uncertainty around the futures of Mateo Kovačić and Kalvin Phillips.

Pep Guardiola and his recruitment team were linked with several options across Europe, ranging from European stars to domestic names with Premier League pedigree, with Bruno Guimaraes among those to have long been admired at the Etihad Stadium.

However, the feeling among supporters was that Newcastle would have no desire to lose one of their most important assets, especially at a time when the club were consistently tied to transfer rumours linking Alexander Isak with a blockbuster move to Liverpool.

As for Guimaraes himself, the 2025/26 campaign represented another chance to lead Eddie Howe’s midfield in both domestic and European competitions, thus immediately making any deal difficult for Manchester City.

According to the information of The Mirror’s Lee Ryder, Newcastle United rejected an approach from City early in the recent summer for Bruno Guimaraes, with an inquiry originating from intermediaries within the agent network.

It is claimed that the approach was made in early June during the temporary FIFA transfer window prior to the Club World Cup, although St. James’ Park officials rejected the interest with Guimaraes also content on Tyneside and willing to discuss future contract talks.

The Brazil international is said to have declared his allegiance to Newcastle United, and informed those close to him that he was dedicated to the club for the forthcoming 2025/26 campaign.

As for Manchester City, the report highlights that Etihad Stadium bosses immediately switched their attention to AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders and completed a deal worth £46.5 million in time for the Dutchman to feature at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Looking ahead, the Bruno Guimaraes links – having been standing for successive transfer windows – are likely to fade out given the player’s age profile and Manchester City’s completed business in the recent summer window.

That is despite long-term planning already being considered around Rodri’s eventual successor, and the Brazilian midfielder’s profile long standing as one that Manchester City have viewed favourably.

Pep Guardiola will look to extract the maximum from his current squad options, with Reijnders settling in, Phil Foden hinting at stepping into Kevin De Bruyne’s creative void, and the wider midfield balance still evolving following the arrival of Rayan Cherki, too.