The powers that be at Barcelona have already taken the first steps towards a potential big-money addition to the club’s midfield ranks.
That’s according to Brazilian outlet Globo, who have this evening provided a fresh insight into the efforts of the Blaugrana transfer team to add to Xavi’s options in the middle of the park.
It is of course common knowledge that Xavi and co. are on the lookout for midfield reinforcements, with a view to the 2nd half of the campaign.
This comes amid the long-term injury suffered by Gavi, Pedri’s ongoing fitness struggles, and the dip in form being endured by Oriol Romeu.
A whole host of engine room stars, in turn, have been tipped as potential arrivals in Barcelona across the month to date, from Girona’s Aleix García to Amadou Onana of Everton and even Bayern Munich talisman Joshua Kimmich.
If the latest word stemming from the media on Friday is anything to go by, though, then a new name appears to have been pushed to the top of the shortlist of Deco and his team.
The player in question? Bruno Guimarães.
As per the aforementioned Globo, Barca view Brazilian international Guimarães as the ideal addition, with the 26-year-old boasting technical and physical qualities in equal measure.
After Newcastle United announced an alarming financial loss for the 2022/23 season, the Catalans are in turn keen to take advantage of the sudden need for sales at St. James’ Park.
Contacts have already been initiated with the Newcastle brass, in a bid to gauge the financial requirements for a deal. Barcelona’s own monetary woes mean that they would ideally hope to include at least one player as part of any transfer.
Not only that, but it is added that Guimarães himself favours a move to the Camp Nou, over either Real Madrid, or Paris Saint-Germain.
Nevertheless, it is noted that the operation would be a ‘complex’ one to carry out, even when taking into account the agreement between the midfielder and Newcastle over a reduction in his £100 million buyout clause in the case of Barca coming knocking.
Conor Laird | GSFN
