Bruno Guimaraes ‘preference’ revealed as Liverpool ‘open talks’ to sign Newcastle favourite

Jason Soutar 31 May 2023 7:00 AM

Bruno Guimaraes gives the thumbs up before a match

Liverpool have ambitiously ‘opened talks’ to sign Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, according to reports in Brazil.

Guimaraes joined Newcastle from Lyon in January 2022 for around £40million, becoming the club’s first big-money signing in the PIF era.

The Brazilian midfielder signed a four-year contract when he agreed to join the Magpies, and there has been lots of talk recently about a new deal.

He has adapted to life in the Premier League like a duck to water, instantly establishing himself as a fan favourite at St James’ Park.

Bruno played a huge part in Newcastle’s top-four finish this term and will be hoping to see Eddie Howe bring in some more high-profile players in the summer transfer window.

While there is talk of a contract extension, there appears to be plenty of interest in Guimaraes.

According to Goal Brasil (via Sport Witness), both Liverpool and Barcelona are vying for the 25-year-old’s signature. They are ‘willing to try’ to buy him in the summer.

A move to Barcelona seems extremely unrealistic given their financial situation, and having given up on the signing of Jude Bellingham due to Borussia Dortmund’s demands, it is hard to imagine Liverpool meeting Newcastle’s asking price for Bruno, if they even set one.

Furthermore, Newcastle have qualified for the Champions League ahead of Liverpool, so a switch to Anfield seems pretty silly, even if the Reds are a bigger club.

Both interested clubs have apparently made contact with the Magpies to see what Guimaraes’ situation is, with it made clear they are planning a new contract offer.

The player’s agents know of Liverpool and Barcelona’s interest, but Newcastle are aware that Bruno’s ‘preference’ is to sign an extension.

Fabrizio Romano has also reported that the Geordies are preparing to offer Bruno a new contract.

Spanish outlet reported in May that the Reds are preparing to make a €100m bid to sign the Brazilian international.

Jurgen Klopp is expected to bring in two or three midfielders in the summer transfer window.

A deal to sign Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister is reportedly close, while Klopp has an interest in Nice’s Khephren Thuram and Chelsea duo Mason Mount and Conor Gallagher.

The German manager could also look to bolster his defence and a report from Kicker and L’Equipe (also via Sport Witness) states Liverpool have made an ‘enquiry’ to sign Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard.

Romano has also chimed in on the Pavard situation, claiming that he is not planning to extend his Bayern contract, which expires in 2024.

Inter are keen on signing the French international, the Italian journalist adds.

Liverpool Bruno Guimaraes