Bruno Guimaraes has been outstanding for Newcastle United since joining on a four-and-a-half-year deal from Olympique Lyonnais in January, but his form hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Real Madrid have been linked with the 24-year-old as they need long-term replacements for the 36-year-old Luka Modric and 32-year-old Toni Kroos. Newcastle don’t need the money and have Guimaraes tied down until 2026, so they’re under no obligation to sell.
What will determine a transfer is if the player requests a move or cannot play from having his head turned. Frank McAvennie isn’t worried that will happen, however. He’s flattered that a Newcastle player is attracting interest from Real and has challenged the Brazilian international to become a legend at St James’ Park.
He told Football Insider: “The boy Bruno is just brilliant. I remember thinking he was a defensive midfielder when Newcastle signed him, but he’s scored himself a few goals which is great for him. He is brilliant to watch and it is weird to see a Newcastle player linked with Real Madrid.
“The way Newcastle are going, he will turn that down if an offer comes in because they will be right up there in a few years. If he helps to take Newcastle to the Champions League then he will be a legend.” Guimaraes has made 14 appearances for the Magpies, scoring four goals with one assist.
The 24-year-old has created nine chances, completed 85.8% of his passes, had 21 successful dribbles, won 30 freekicks and averaged a tackle (32) or interception (7) every 19 minutes, so he’s much more than a typical defensive-midfielder.
Newcastle paid £40m for Guimaraes and have no intention of letting him go, so Real and others will have to turn their attentions elsewhere.
In other news, Frank McAvennie says ‘brilliant’ Calvert-Lewis should join Newcastle over Arsenal
