Barcelona considering including players in deal for €115 million Newcastle star, prefers La Liga over PSG
Barcelona’s primary concern heading into the summer transfer market is signing a pivot that can take over from Sergio Busquets’ throne in the long term. The Spaniard departed the club on a free transfer in 2023, and has not been replaced properly.
The Catalans did attempt to plug in the hole with the short-term signing of Oriol Romeu, who started the season brilliantly, but has since fallen down the pecking order due to a rapid decline in his performances.
One of the players Barcelona are considering a move for is Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes. Sporting director Deco is a huge fan of the player, and believes he is the solution to their problems in the long term, according to Mundo Deportivo.
€100 million+ player
The Brazilian has a €115 million (£100 million) release clause in his contract, which is obviously not affordable for Barcelona, but they are considering including players in the deal which can presumably knock down the asking price.
Further, the report states that Barcelona have already made a move for him, but believe that is a complex operation. They want to reach a deal worth around €80 million for the player between cash and player swaps.
PSG also in race, player prefers Spain move
Barça are understandably not the only one in the race to sign Guimaraes. His performances have attracted interest from across the continent, with PSG particularly keen on signing him this summer.
However, the blaugranes have the upper hand here, as his entourage prefer a move to Spain over France. Striking a deal with Barcelona, therefore, should not be a problem on personal terms.
Guimaraes was the first big acquisition made by Newcastle after being acquired by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, and has been there since January 2022.
He has a goal and two assists to his name so far this season across 19 Premier League games, and could be one of the first players heading towards the exit door should Newcastle (currently 9th) fail to qualify for the Champions League.
