The manager of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, needs to find a replacement for top target Lucas Paqueta in order to add a midfield player this summer.
The West Ham midfielder was on the verge of signing a contract with the Cityzens during the summer, but the deal fell through because the player was being investigated for possible rule violations.
Though Paqueta’s charges appeared to have subsided, the Football Association charged him on Thursday with spot fixing, a crime for which he might receive a long suspension.
Man City was anticipated to intensify its summertime chase of the Brazilian, but Guardiola will now need to hunt elsewhere for a replacement midfield player.
Journalist Dean Jones commented on Paqueta’s situation to GiveMeSport, saying: “I think Paqueta’s initial response is sincere in terms of the shock he portrays. There were rumors that he would be released without prosecution.
“Considering the ripple effect, Man City has been preparing to launch a fresh attempt to sign him in the summer.”
“In that sense, this news upends things, even though it’s too soon to determine the precise penalty in this case.”
Man City may decide to pursue a move for Bruno Guimaraes, the standout player at Newcastle, in lieu of Paqueta, according to Jones.
The center midfielder for the Magpies has a £100 million release clause in his contract, which is good until June 30. A number of elite European teams are seriously considering exercising this option.
“I wonder if City is looking to prioritize Bruno Guimaraes as a target for the summer window when it opens, given the developments surrounding Paqueta,” Jones continued.
“They were considering placing a bid for both Bruno and Paqueta, but this could increase the likelihood that Guimaraes will be successful in landing one of them.”
Guardiola is a huge fan of Guimaraes and thinks he would fit well in with his Man City club, as TEAMtalk has previously reported.
The 26-year-old was a major contributor to Newcastle’s 2022–2023 Champions League qualification after joining for £40 million in January 2022.
This season, Guimaraes made 37 appearances in the Premier League, tallying an astounding seven goals and supplying eight assists.
Mateo Kovacic, Rodri, Kevin de Bruyne, Matheus Nunes, and others could have competition from him at the Etihad.
In the upcoming weeks, it will be intriguing to see if City is willing to activate Guimaraes’ contract’s £100 million clause.