Liverpool can abandon their dream transfer for Bruno Guimaraes as the Newcastle star reportedly has a clause in his new contract that allows Barcelona to sign him for £40million cheaper than any other team. Guimaraes joined the Magpies from Lyon at the start of last year and has become one of his side’s most influential players.
Liverpool reportedly had a bid for Guimaraes rejected on transfer deadline day in the summer as Jurgen Klopp attempted to take him to Anfield. And the 25-year-old has since put pen-to-paper on a new contract in the north east that runs until 2028.
That contract is said to include a release clause of £100million. But, according to Spanish publication Sport, Barcelona will be able to land Guimaraes if they put forward an offer of just £60m. And that clause could turn Liverpool off the prospect of signing the ace as they may feel they would be getting a rotten deal from the mega-rich Magpies.
The midfielder, who has bagged 11 goals and eight assists in 68 appearances for Newcastle, has given several nods to Barca in the past after previously being linked with a move to the club. But the Catalan giants’ current financial woes means the player is unlikely to move to the Nou Camp any time soon.
Liverpool bolstered their midfield in the summer by snapping up Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo. And the Reds are doing well without Guimaraes as they have climbed to fourth in the Premier League table after losing just one of their first eight matches.
“I’m absolutely delighted,” Guimaraes said after committing his long-term future to the Magpies. “The fans have made me feel at home since my first day here and I feel so loved in my life.
“I remember in my first interview, I said I wanted to play for this club in the Champions League and now it’s happening. We are doing so well and when I look around the pitch at my team-mates, I am so proud of them all. I’m proud of everyone; the team, the staff, the owners and the fans.
“The city believes again and it’s unbelievable what we have done for the team. I hope that this can continue. It’s amazing what has happened in my life in the last two years.”
Guimaraes has started all eight of Newcastle’s Premier League matches this term, with his side winning four of those encounters. And he has starred in the Champions League, with the Magpies securing a 0-0 draw with AC Milan in Italy before thrashing Paris Saint-Germain 4-1 at St James’ Park.
