Pep Guardiola hits the nail on the head about Bruno Guimaraes after trying to sign him from Newcastle

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Pep Guardiola hit the nail on the head as he praised Newcastle United for signing Bruno Guimaraes.

Guimaraes has proven to be one of the biggest bargains in Newcastle United history.

Arriving from Lyon for just over £40million in January 2022, Guimaraes is one of Newcastle’s greatest-ever midfielders.

A cup-winning captain and hugely popular figure on Tyneside, he’s been worth every single penny and more.

Geordie Boot Boys understands that Manchester City have tried to sign Guimaraes from Newcastle and Guardiola was speaking about the Brazilian ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash between the two sides.

• READ MORE: Newcastle fans will be happy that Bruno Guimaraes made a U-turn on what he almost told Eddie Howe

Pep Guardiola says Newcastle United struck gold by signing Bruno Guimaraes

The Man City boss was asked about the Newcastle skipper towards the end of his pre-match press conference.

Guardiola revealed that he was a fan of Guimaraes even during his days at Lyon and noted how the midfielder has now become an idol amongst supporters.

Even as an outsider looking in, Guardiola is absolutely correct in that assessment. Guimaraes is a Newcastle legend and the move has worked out better than anyone could have expected.

“It’s not just this season,” he said when asked about Guimaraes’s quality.

“For many years, since he was in Lyon, you start to smell and realise this is a special player.

“I think Newcastle made an incredible [signing], he’s an idol there.”

What Bruno Guimaraes and Pep Guardiola have privately talked about

Back in May, Guimaraes revealed that he had privately talked to Guardiola.

While it was not to do with a potential move to the Etihad Stadium, the Toon star admitted Guardiola had been full of praise for him.

“I’ve spoken with (Guardiola), but nothing about a potential move,” Guimaraes said.

“He has said some nice things about my game, and I am very humbled by that because he is the best coach I’ve ever seen – I admire how he has impacted football.”

That’s not much of a surprise. At his best, Guimaraes looks more than capable of playing in a Guardiola side.

Thankfully, he doesn’t. Guimaraes continues to be a crucial part of the Newcastle team and has shown little indication that he’s looking to leave.

Of all of the signings of the PIF era, Guimaraes has surely been the very best.

Guimaraes has helped change the course of Newcastle United history and there’s still more to come.

While this season has been difficult, there are big Champions League nights to look forward to.

If Newcastle are going to go deep in that particular competition, Guimaraes will be crucial.