La Liga giants Barcelona are reportedly planning to make a move for Newcastle United superstar Bruno Guimaraes.
Bruno Guimaraes has emerged as a surprise target for European giants Barcelona to replace ageing Sergio Busquets. That is according to The Sun, which claims the Blaugrana will turn their attention to the 24-year-old Brazilian playmaker after facing defeat in their pursuit of Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva.
The Brazilian midfielder has made a big impact since joining the Magpies back in January for £40 million, with his excellent form drawing many admirers. A firm fan favourite, he has been a standout performer for the Magpies, chipping in with seven goals and three assists from 28 games from the base of midfield.
Indeed, the 24-year-old is playing a major role in Newcastle United’s impressive start to the 2022/23 season. Bruno Guimaraes has scored two goals and provided two assists for the Magpies this Premier League season, while he ranks very high amongst midfielders playing in the English top-flight for defensive actions, progressive passes, ball progression, dribbles, key passes and final third passes, overperforming the likes of Rodri and Declan Rice.
While Newcastle, currently fourth in the Premier League, have serious ambitions under their Saudi-backed owners, the Toon could face a battle to keep hold of their midfield metronome as Europe’s biggest clubs circle for his signature.
The Brazilian is under contract at St. James’ Park until the summer of 2026, and the Magpies are said to be keen to tie him down to an improved and lengthy contract, making him the club’s highest-paid player at around £200,000-a-week to ward off outside interest.
If the former Lyon man declines to sign a new deal with Newcastle — which is highly unlikely given his positive relationship with fans and the hierarchy — a bidding war appears to be on the cards. Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Chelsea are all keeping a close eye on the 24-year-old.
Barcelona’s supposed interest in Guimaraes is backed by the uncertainty surrounding the futures of Sergio Busquets and Frenkie de Jong. Going by the look of things, neither is expected to be at Camp Nou next season, with the former linked with a move to Major League Soccer, while the latter is being chased by a host of European powerhouses.
Given how versatile and classy Guimaraes is with the ball at his feet, he would be a natural fit for the holding midfielder role at Camp Nou. Barcelona certainly is not afraid of splashing the cash on high-profile signings despite being in a dire financial state.
That said, it is hard to envisage them lodging a bid north of the £100 million mark to lure Newcastle into a deal considering they were priced out by Manchester City’s £80 million asking price for Bernardo Silva.
However, a big de Jong sale could help them finance Guimaraes’s move. Even then, Newcastle are not short of cash and could refuse to entertain any bids for their talismanic midfielder. From a player’s standpoint, the decision may not be as straightforward as many would think. While Barcelona are a historical giant, they are currently in financial disarray.
