Bruno Guimaraes opens up on Real Madrid interest

Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has admitted to having a “conversation” with Real Madrid about a possible summer transfer.

Bruno quickly won over the fans’ affections after his big-money move from Lyon to Newcastle in January. After a disastrous start to the season, he helped the Magpies finish in the middle of the table, and he also started 2022/23 in strong form.

According to Spanish press reports, Bruno was first linked to Real Madrid in August; at the time, Magpies manager Eddie Howe denied any intention of selling him. Los Blancos did communicate with him, as the player has admitted. Despite being moved by the interest of “the best team in the world,” he was unwilling to pursue it further.

“I feel at home here! Real Madrid is the best team in the world. It is nice. It was just a conversation, but it is nothing,” he said of the transfer saga that never was.

Only a few months after moving to Newcastle, the 24-year-old, who has frequently pledged his loyalty to the club and has essentially turned into an honorary Geordie, reaffirmed his commitment to the organisation.

“I never doubted the project. I believe it in the beginning. I always wanted to play in the Premier League and I enjoy it. The ground loves me and I love them. No joking, I am at home here. I need to keep going,” he said.

Speaking after the Brentford game, Eddie Howe described Bruno as a ‘bargain in today’s climate’.

Howe continued, “He’s absolutely a bargain because he’s had a huge effect on the team and the club. In today’s market, [£40m] is a relatively modest sum – which I can’t really believe I’m saying – but it is. It’s an amazing thing for us to have him, it’s not just the player, it’s the person as well. I can’t say how good a person he is.

“He’s a pleasure to coach and be around. He’s a really positive person, an energiser and someone I love to coach and be with. I think everyone here connected with the club – me, the players, the supporters – absolutely love him.”