Michael Owen says Eddie Howe might now rate Newcastle star at a whopping £80m

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Michael Owen has told The Final Word that if Eddie Howe sees Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes as a bargain at £35million, he could rate him at a whopping £80million now – comparing him to Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne.

Guimaraes, 24, has made a wonderful start to the Premier League campaign. The Brazil international is gaining huge plaudits for his performance against Brentford on the weekend in particular, scoring a brace in a 5-1 win for the Toon.

He is already a fan favourite on Tyneside, despite only playing 24 times since his £35million move in January 2022. He has already had a hand in nine goals, scoring seven times, from midfield. That is, even playing deeper in midfield.

Asked about the ex-Lyon midfielder and Howe stating that Guimaraes is a bargain at £35million, Owen thinks Howe may see Guimaraes as a player worth double – or even more. He likened his passing to that of City’s De Bruyne.

“We’re all getting carried away with Bruno Guimaraes. For Eddie Howe to be saying he is a bargain at £35m, must means he values him at £70m, or £80m. It puts him up there as one of the best players about.

“The way he is playing this season, he certainly is up there. His vision is De Bruyne-esque. He’s a sensational player in so many ways, so patient with the ball, an amazing passer,” Owen said, on one of his old team’s midfielders.

Owen: Howe could rate Newcastle midfielder Guimaraes at £80million

With AS claiming Real Madrid are targeting Guimaraes as a replacement for Manchester United signing Casemiro, Newcastle may have to brace themselves for bids. That includes choosing a price tag to place on his head.

Newcastle are not short of cash. But given Financial Fairplay rules, bringing in a big cash sum would allow them to be more flexible in the market – and make more signings. So, it is in their interest to request a fee should Real call.

However, given their wealth, they are under no pressure to sell. He is easily a bargain at £35million. He is already showing some of the best quality in midfield in the Premier League right now. Owen is right, £80million could be fair.