Manchester City, the Premier League’s serial champions, are gearing up for a seismic summer transfer window, with new sporting director Hugo Viana orchestrating a bold £120 million double swoop for Newcastle United’s star duo, Bruno Guimarães and Anthony Gordon. The ambitious move aims to fill the void left by club icons Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gündogan, whose departures signal the end of an era at the Etihad Stadium. As Pep Guardiola retools his squad to maintain City’s dominance, the pursuit of these Premier League standouts underscores the club’s relentless drive to stay ahead in a fiercely competitive landscape.
De Bruyne, the Belgian maestro who confirmed his exit after a glittering decade, leaves behind a legacy of six Premier League titles and a 2023 Champions League crown. Gündogan, another linchpin of City’s golden era, is also out of contract this summer, prompting Viana to target Guimarães and Gordon as their successors. “City are keen on signing two elite Newcastle stars, as Pep Guardiola looks to land a replacement for one of his most influential players over the years,” an insider revealed, highlighting the club’s strategic focus on proven Premier League talent to ensure a seamless transition.
Bruno Guimarães, Newcastle’s 27-year-old Brazilian midfielder, has emerged as City’s top target to replace De Bruyne’s creative spark. Since joining the Magpies from Lyon in January 2022 for £40 million, Guimarães has dazzled with his box-to-box dynamism, notching nine goals and four assists in 30 Premier League appearances this season. His versatility as a No. 8 or No. 6, coupled with a 92% pass completion rate, makes him an ideal fit for Guardiola’s possession-based system. “I’ve spoken with Pep,” Guimarães said recently, neither confirming nor denying City’s interest but fueling speculation about a move. Valued at £80 million, his acquisition would shatter City’s midfield transfer record, surpassing the £62.8 million paid for Rodri in 2019.
Anthony Gordon, the 24-year-old English winger, is the second piece of City’s Newcastle puzzle, eyed as a dynamic replacement for Gündogan’s attacking output from midfield. Gordon’s 11 goals and 10 assists in the 2024-25 Premier League campaign have cemented his status as one of England’s brightest talents. His pace, work rate, and ability to cut inside from the left wing align perfectly with City’s fluid attacking philosophy. “The 28-year-old has already entered the final 18 months of his Spurs contract,” a report noted about a similar high-profile transfer, underscoring the urgency of City’s move for Gordon, whose £40 million price tag reflects Newcastle’s reluctance to lose their homegrown star.
City’s interest in Guimarães and Gordon comes amid a transformative period. The club spent £180 million in January on players like Omar Marmoush and Abdukodir Khusanov, but Viana’s summer plans are even grander, bolstered by potential Associated Party Transaction rule changes and Club World Cup earnings. “City will have plenty of financial wiggle room in the summer,” a source confirmed, enabling Viana to pursue high-caliber targets. However, Newcastle, buoyed by their Saudi-backed ownership, are under no pressure to sell, with Guimarães’ contract running until 2028 and Gordon’s until 2026. A combined £120 million bid may test their resolve, but Eddie Howe has publicly vowed to keep his core intact.
The pursuit isn’t without risks. City’s recent form, marred by a four-match losing streak in late 2024 following Rodri’s ACL injury, exposed vulnerabilities in midfield depth. Guimarães could address this, but prising him from Newcastle, where he’s a fan favorite, will require deft negotiation. Gordon, meanwhile, faces competition from Liverpool, who have long admired the former Everton prodigy. Social media buzz on X reflects the stakes, with fans split—some hail City’s ambition, while others predict Newcastle will hold firm, citing their £100 million valuation for Guimarães alone.
As Rome’s Italian Open looms, where City’s stars like Erling Haaland are expected to shine in off-season exhibitions, the transfer saga will dominate headlines. Guardiola’s ability to integrate Guimarães’ tenacity and Gordon’s flair could redefine City’s future, ensuring the post-De Bruyne era remains trophy-laden. For now, Viana’s £120 million gamble signals City’s unwavering intent to evolve, blending youth and experience to chase Premier League glory once more.
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