Liverpool may have just been given the push they need to go and sign a long-term transfer target.
Over the past few years, the Reds have been linked to all manner of players. Some feasible targets, others simply fanciful rumours.
One name that has seemingly never been far from Liverpool’s thoughts is Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes. Ever since he arrived in the Premier League two years ago, the Reds have been credited with an interest.
With the Magpies turning themselves into a force to be reckoned with though, Bruno felt out of reach for Liverpool. Having signed a new contract earlier this season, the Brazil international even reportedly now has a release clause of over £100m. No, thank you.
Now though, it appears Newcastle may be somewhat willing to do business over Bruno. In quotes from The Times yesterday, United’s chief executive officer Darren Eales was asked whether they may have to sell one of Sven Botman, Alexander Isak or Bruno to comply with Premier League profit and sustainability rules. His response should alert Liverpool.
“On any player, at any time, it depends on circumstances,” Eales replied. “It’s difficult to say specifically on certain players, but I can say that, if we’re going to get to where we want to get to, at times it is necessary to trade your players. Whether that is because of the contract length of the player in question, the offer is too good to refuse, you need to reload in certain areas… all of this could make sense to trade that player.”
Liverpool given Bruno encouragement
With a £100m price-tag dangling over his neck, there’s no way Liverpool would even think about going after Bruno.
But Newcastle do look to be in a slight spot of bother in regards to financial regulations. Having made it to the Champions League this season, they don’t look like getting back there next year. That could damage them, too.
Given a taste of the big time, a player like Bruno may be looking to move to a club that can provide that more regularly.
Obviously, that may one day be Newcastle. But at the moment they sit ninth in the Premier League table. At 26, Bruno won’t want to be hanging around too long.
As a result of all of that, perhaps Liverpool would be minded to float a little offer up to the North East. It would have to be more than the £40m Newcastle paid Lyon for their No.8, but it doesn’t seem that it would have to touch anything like £100m to be considered.
It was only last summer that the Reds latest attempt to sign Bruno is said to have occurred. At that time, the Brazilian reportedly wanted to stay put on Tyneside. But would that still be the case?
Of course, the one real caveat is whether Liverpool would still really want Bruno. With Wataru Endo now acclimatising, they’re pretty well covered in defensive midfield.
But in our opinion, the Newcastle man would represent one of the market ‘opportunities’ that Liverpool are always citing. He’s the kind of player who could kick Jurgen Klopp’s midfield up a notch or two. If he can be extracted for a relatively good price, then we could see something happening there. One thing’s for sure, it’s now or never.
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