Barcelona will reportedly prefer a move for Bruno Guimaraes instead of his compatriot Douglas Luiz to bolster the midfield unit.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz is the subject of interest from Barcelona. The Catalan giants are also interested in Newcastle United talisman Bruno Guimaraes, who has become the priority target for them to bolster their midfield unit in the summer transfer window.
The rise of Bruno Guimaraes and Douglas Luiz in the Premier League
Bruno Guimaraes has been a talismanic figure for Newcastle United since arriving from Lyon in January 2022. The Brazilian international did not take long to settle down at St. James’ Park, playing his part in the Tyneside outfit evading relegation and finishing in the top four in his first full season at the club.
While the 26-year-old and Newcastle United were not at their best in the 2023/24 season, he still managed a solid tally of seven goals and ten assists in 50 appearances across all competitions. As for Douglas Luiz, he was exceptional as Aston Villa finished in the top four and qualified for the UEFA Champions League.
The Brazilian midfielder amassed ten goals and ten assists in 53 appearances in all competitions. Luiz’s exploits for Aston Villa have not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. Interestingly, Douglas Luiz and Bruno Guimaraes have both attracted Barcelona with their performances.
Barcelona interested
Barcelona’s interest in Bruno Guimaraes and Douglas Luiz is understandable. The Catalan giants are keen on signing a midfielder to fill Sergio Busquets’s void at the club. Oriol Romeu tried and failed to make his mark, compelling Xavi Hernandez to utilise Andreas Christensen as a defensive midfielder in the 2023/24 season.
So, the two Brazilian midfielders have emerged as viable targets for Barcelona. However, the Catalan giants have a preference, with the Newcastle United talisman higher on the priority list than the Aston Villa midfield mainstay.
Barcelona might not have had a chance to sign Douglas Luiz anyway, with the 26-year-old closing in on joining Juventus. However, a move for Bruno Guimaraes will unlikely see the light of day, as Barcelona might not have the funds to afford his transfer fee in the summer transfer window.
