Guimaraes replacement: Newcastle make first move to sign Man City target

As rumours continue to arrive regarding Bruno Guimaraes’ future, Newcastle United have reportedly made their first move in the race to sign a potential replacement for their star midfielder.

Newcastle could lose Guimaraes

For the last two transfer windows, Newcastle have been forced to sit back and watch as clubs around them spend big and welcome the reinforcements that they so desperately need.

Now, however, the Magpies could be back in a position to flex their riches and finally free from PSR constraints this summer in what would be a major boost for Eddie Howe.

It must be said though, that freedom may not come without sacrifice. To spend that money, a big-money sale may need to come first, which could see the likes of Guimaraes depart.

The Brazilian has been at the centre of headlines this week amid Arsenal’s reported interest and could yet provide Newcastle with a bitter-sweet moment by leaving to fund their summer reinforcements.

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He’s one to watch…

Of course, if he does depart then the Magpies will need to go in search of a replacement almost instantly and that may see them turn their attention towards a rising star.

According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, Newcastle have now made their first move in the race to sign Benja Cremaschi from Inter Miami this summer, making checks on the midfielder who’s also a target for Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.

At 20 years old, the American could emerge to become an ideal heir to Guimaraes’ midfield throne at the heart of Howe’s midfield. Having featured at the Olympics for USA last summer and featured alongside Lionel Messi in Miami since, Cremaschi is almost ready for the Premier League.

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His ability to play as a defensive, central and attacking midfielder almost mirrors the versatility that Guimaraes provides. Meanwhile, at such a young age, there’s every chance that Howe could mould Cremaschi into his next top midfielder.

“Sharp” Cremaschi has the Beckham approval

If there were any doubts over the midfielder’s ability, then the approval of Inter Miami owner and Premier League legend David Beckham should instantly put those fears to bed.

Speaking about the 20-year-old, Beckham previously told reporters: “As much as I love seeing the players and the team that we have created at Miami, you’ve got Leo, you’ve got Sergio, you’ve got Alba, you’ve got Luis Suarez, when I see them passing around the pitch and all of a sudden they pass to Benjamin Cremaschi, who has come through our academy from a young kid and is now playing with these players, that makes me proud.”

Now, that pride could yet culminate in an impressive sale if Newcastle come calling this summer in search of their next Guimaraes.

Also dubbed “sharp” by former Fulham defender Tim Ream, it’s clear that Cremaschi is one to watch in the MLS this season before he potentially has a big decision to make regarding his future.

Potentially destined for the Premier League, Cremaschi could quickly solve a pending problem for Howe at St James’ Park this summer.