Barcelona, Liverpool make contact for 25-year-old Newcastle United midfielder

With Barcelona on the lookout for a new defensive midfielder to replace departing club captain Sergio Busquets, it has led them to Newcastle United superstar Bruno Guimaraes.

According to Goal Brazil, Barcelona, as well as Liverpool, have made contacts to seek information about Guimaraes and his situation at Newcastle United as they are interested in signing him this summer.

Guimaraes joined Newcastle from Olympique Lyon in January 2022 in a deal worth €40 million. And he has since grown into a fan favourite at St James’ Park, playing a vital role in the Magpies achieving a top-four finish in the Premier League this season.

Across all competitions, the midfielder played 40 games, scoring and assisting five goals apiece. His performances have landed him on the radars of elite clubs such as Barcelona, Liverpool, and Real Madrid.

Now, Barça and Liverpool are believed to have taken initial steps in their pursuit of the Brazilian international by making contact and seeking information about his current situation in Tyneside.

Newcastle, for their part, wish to hand Guimaraes a new and improved contract as a reward for his contributions since arriving. His current deal runs until 2026.

The midfielder’s representatives have warned the Magpies about the growing interest from Barcelona and Liverpool. However, Newcastle are confident that he will give preference to a contract renewal and continuity with the club rather than seeking a move away.

If so, it would make it nearly impossible for Barcelona to sign Guimaraes.

As things stand, Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad continues to be manager Xavi Hernandez’s preferred option to replace Busquets. But his €60 million release clause is seen as a deterrent.

Apart from Zubimendi, players like Ruben Neves, Sofyan Amrabat, and more recently Manuel Ugarte are also being linked.

As for Guimaraes, there seems to be some interest in the Brazilian international, but a move for him seems unlikely this summer.