Barcelona join Liverpool in race for top-rated Newcastle star

The transfer race for Bruno Guimaraes begins as the Magpies hope to keep their Liverpool-linked midfielder.

Barcelona and Liverpool have reportedly opened talks with Newcastle to sign Bruno Guimaraes.

The Brazilian star has attracted interest from a number of elite sides since joining Newcastle last year. Guimaraes arrived at St. James’ Park on a £34.5m deal, but his market value has skyrocketed since then.

According to Goal, both Liverpool and Barcelona have inquired about Guimaraes’ possible move away from Newcastle.
However, the Magpies are not willing to let the star midfielder leave without a fight. The club are reportedly willing to make Guimaraes one of the league’s top-five earners by improving his current contract.

Smart signings have helped Newcastle come a long way since their change of ownership in 2021. Under Eddie Howe, the Magpies have reached the next season’s Champions League, where they will need their best players.

Liverpool’s pursuit of Guimaraes could be related to their efforts to sign Declan Rice. The England international has emerged as one of Jurgen Klopp’s main summer targets. But it seems that Bayern Munich’s move for the midfielder has forced the Reds to focus on signing another midfielder.

As for Barca, everything depends on their financial situation and Lionel Messi’s possible return. In case the Catalans free up enough space on their wage bill, signing a top-class midfielder would be one of their main priorities in the summer transfer window.