The midfield has been recognized as one of the areas that FC Barcelona need to strengthen both in the short and the long term. In this winter market, the Catalans are trying to incorporate a midfielder to replace Gavi, who is out for the rest of the season with an ACL tear.
In addition to Gavi’s replacement, the Blaugranes also need a midfield pivot as they need to replace Sergio Busquets and Oriol Romeu has not particularly impressed after his return to his childhood club.
Among the several names that the club was considering for such a role, one of the most prominent was the Newcastle United midfielder, Bruno Guimaraes.
The Brazilian has been playing at a very high level in England, but his time in the Premier League might be coming to an end. However, as SPORT has noted, Barcelona is highly unlikely to be the Brazilian’s next destination.
Newcastle United are forced to sell some of their players because of the losses they have incurred in the last two years, especially with the fear of sanctions on their head which Everton and Nottingham Forest have already received.
Bruno Guimaraes is an ideal candidate for a sale, as the player himself is disappointed by the sporting project of his club. In such a context, Paris Saint Germain is looking the most likely club to sign him, as Luis Enrique has already requested a midfielder.
The Parisians have signed Gabriel Moscardo from Brazil, but an ankle injury found in his medical examination means he will be unable to play for the next three months.
Guimaraes has a release clause of €100 million in his contract, and a deal between Newcastle United and Paris Saint Germain can also be reached in this winter window.
But even if the player does not move in the winter, Barcelona will find it almost impossible to compete with the financial might of PSG to go into a bidding war for the Brazilian, while also retaining some place for his high wages in their wage bill.
Raphinha’s move to the Premier League is also looking unlikely now, and thus, Barcelona will have to move for another midfielder, more in line with their finances, in the summer.
