Manchester City could be about to match their transfer record in the summer, which was set with the £100million signing of Jack Grealish in 2021.
Jack Grealish is Manchester City’s most expensive player ever. And in the eyes of many, he’s one of the club’s most disappointing signings with this season especially highlighting the difficulties that Grealish has faced.
The 29-year-old has been an unused substitute in four of the last six games now, playing the full 90 minutes in the FA Cup win over Plymouth Argyle but just a few minutes of Premier League football in another match.
So far in 2024/25, the former Aston Villa hero has failed to score in 16 Premier League games, claiming just one assist. Ahead of the summer, there’s speculation that Grealish could leave Manchester City.
He could be part of a busy summer transfer window and part of a squad overhaul that might focus heavily on the midfield, with City linked alongside a number of exciting players including the likes of Eduard Camavinga and Bruno Guimaraes.
Graeme Bailey weighs in on Bruno Guimaraes to Manchester City
Guimaraes has just lifted the Carabao Cup with Newcastle United after they beat Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley on Sunday afternoon. It comes amid what’s been a fairly mixed season for the Brazilian international whose form has been publicly criticised by some, though Manchester City have retained an interest in Guimaraes.
Speaking to Manchester City News in wake of Newcastle’s cup victory, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has suggested that City will keep tabs on the 27-year-old, and that if he becomes available, then Pep Guardiola won’t be able to help but make his move.
Bailey explained: “As with Alexander Isak, the Carabao Cup is a huge win, it means they become club legends but it does not guarantee they stay, that is down to a top five finish and Champions League action.
“You can’t expect players of the calibre of Isak or Bruno to not be playing in the Champions League and Newcastle know that. The one thing with Bruno that Isak doesn’t have is a release clause and we know Pep loves him.
“I am not convinced we’ll see another central defensive midfield come in at City after the signing of Nico. But if Bruno is on the market, then I envisage City making a play for him in some manner.”
Manchester City handed price tag update on Bruno Guimaraes
There’s certainly been a lot of talk about Guimaraes and City over the course of the season, with a lot of debate and speculation about just how much City would have to pay to sign the Magpies skipper.
Bailey confirms above that there’s a release clause, which is widely understood to be worth around £100million. And it comes after claims that Newcastle United could sell Guimaraes for £60million, if they didn’t qualify for the Champions League next season, were played down.
After winning the Carabao Cup, Newcastle earn a spot in the play-off round of Europa Conference League, so there’s still no guarantee about Champions League football.
So for City, a move for Guimaraes seems to be totally up in the air right now. It’ll all depend on what Newcastle do in the summer transfer window and whether or not Guimaraes decides he wants to leave.
If he does become available then, like Bailey suggests, he could be on his way to the Etihad.
