Real Madrid had a “conversation” about the possibility of signing Bruno Guimaraes, but the midfielder is happy at Newcastle United.
Bruno Guimaraes has revealed Real Madrid were interested in signing him during the transfer window, but the Newcastle United midfielder is happy to stick with what he believes will be “one of the best projects in the world” at St James’ Park.
Guimaraes has been outstanding for Newcastle since joining from Lyon in a £35m January deal.
Eddie Howe’s side were in the Premier League relegation zone at the time, but finished eleventh last season and are now as low as sixth.
Since Guimaraes’ debut at the start of February, Newcastle have collected 48 points from 26 games, with only Manchester City (59), Arsenal (57), Tottenham (55) and Liverpool (54) collecting more.
In that time, Guimaraes has scored seven goals, more than any Newcastle team-mate.
He’s not just a goal-scoring midfielder though, he also leads the Magpies in tackles (65) and is second in recoveries (129) and successful dribbles (31).
“I never doubted the project. I believed in it at the beginning,” Guimaraes told the Mirror, adding: “It will be one of the best projects in the world.”
Such dominant displays could understandably attract the attention of Europe’s elite, including Champions League winners Madrid.
Los Blancos have started to move away from their highly successful long-term midfield trio of Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.
Casemiro, Guimaraes’ team-mate from Brazil, was sold to Manchester United and new man Aurelien Tchouameni already has a key role.
Guimaraes could have joined the France international in midfield at the Santiago Bernabeu but is happy on Tyneside.
“I feel at home here,” he said. “Real Madrid is the best team in the world. It’s nice. It was just a conversation, but nothing.”
