If Manchester City decide not to sign Bruno Guimaraes this summer, they should try to make a move for one of Euro 2024’s standout performers.
In June, it was claimed that unless either Kevin De Bruyne or Bernardo Silva leave City, the club will not sign Guimaraes.
The Newcastle United midfielder — whose £100 million release clause in his contract expired on June 24, as per Fabrizio Romano — now has an uncertain future at St. James’ Park.
Journalist Ben Jacobs revealed in June that Manchester City would be open to exploring a deal worth £80 million for Guimaraes in case they decide not to trigger his release clause.
More than a month ago, the Brazilian international admitted that he was “very happy” at Newcastle despite being proud of being linked with moves to big clubs.
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Why Man City should sign Fabian Ruiz if Bruno Guimaraes deal is not on the cards
Considering the former Lyon technician is capable of playing at a high level in central midfielder as well as in a number six role as a backup to Rodri, Pep Guardiola’s men would rightly be disappointed if they are unable to sign him.
However, Manchester City should look to target Fabian Ruiz in case their mission to seemingly bring Guimaraes to the Etihad Stadium fails.
The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder has just had an exceptional campaign in a Spanish shirt at Euro 2024 – winning the competition and being named in the Team of the Tournament.
Ruiz was elected in the side in a midfield trio featuring Rodri — a player he seems to have a natural chemistry with.
The 28-year-old, much like the 26-year-old Guimaraes is in the prime of his career.
Having played in a double pivot alongside Rodri for Spain in what was a European Championship-winning pairing, Ruiz could replicate a similarly incredible partnership with him if he was brought to the Etihad Stadium.
The former Napoli star fits the profile of midfielder that Manchester City tend to sign — technically gifted, tenacious and intelligent.
The two-time Ligue 1 winner could also bring a feature to this City side that has been missing since Ilkay Gundogan’s departure in 2023; an eye for goal from central midfield.
While Ruiz has never been renowned for being a goalscoring midfielder, at the European Championship, his positioning inside the box to get on the end of chances was impressive.
In Spain’s 4-1 clobbering of Georgia in the Round of 16, the ex-Real Betis technician was perfectly positioned at the back post to head home from close range from an inch-perfect cross from Lamine Yamal.
Against France, before Randal Kolo Muani’s opener, Ruiz had the chance to score an identical goal but he headed the ball over the bar.
During Spain’s opening game against Croatia where they won 3-0, the midfield maestro scored a sublime goal from outside the box that exemplified his quick feet, brilliant striking of the ball and eagerness to push into the final third.
Under Pep Guardiola’s guidance, the Spaniard, much like Gundogan could be nurtured into becoming a top-class goalscoring midfielder — a trait both Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic lack.
Defensively as well, Ruiz won possession the most number of times (41) at Euro 2024 — which is another indicator of why is tailor-made to play in a double pivot.
As excellent a player as Guimaraes is, it would be bizarre to see City not looking for an alternative for him.
Ruiz seems to tick all the boxes — and while his contract at PSG expiring in 2027 could mean the French giants are unwilling to let him go after he has come off playing his career’s best football — if any number eight is worth taking a punt on for Manchester City, it is the recently-crowned Euro 2024 winner.
