It is becoming more and more clear that FC Barcelona need to incorporate new signings. The Catalan club is gradually losing hold of their ability to dominate opponents and this is worrying for them. As a matter of fact, it was only recently that Barcelona managed to break quite the embarrassing streak.
However, one of the focal positions in which they lack is not that easy to recruit for. Lacking a proper specialist pivot since the departure of Sergio Busquets, Barça have tried to fill that void. Ultimately, they have had no success and are still on the hunt for his successor.
One player that they believed had the right profile for this Barcelona team was Bruno Guimaraes. The 26-year-old Brazilian midfielder, currently contracted to Newcastle United, was quite the attractive lure for Barcelona director Deco.
However, due to both the hypothetical expenditure of the operation and Newcastle’s reluctance to negotiate, Barça had to back off. Now, however, things may be different. According to Mundo Deportivo, Newcastle United are finally open to negotiating for their star midfielder.
While his almost €100 million release clause remains active, his current team is no longer against the idea of him leaving. The reason behind this is rather straightforward. Newcastle, similar to some other clubs in recent memory, are running through losses season by season.
Over the last two seasons, as per MD, the English side has recorded losses of over €180 million. As a consequence of them continuing to spend freely despite these losses, they could be sanctioned heavily.
Accordingly, they are now willing to make big sales and listen to offers for any player. This will allow them to potentially balance the books, while for other teams it is an opportunity to make a strong signing. For Barcelona, the target on Bruno Guimaraes could now be locked on.
However, the Catalan giants are not willing to nor would be able to pay their current asking price for the Brazilian. Instead, they hope to spend a sum alongside an offering of another player to lower that asking price. Moreover, MD reports that even the player is open to helping them in making the operation a success.
While PSG from France remains attentive, Guimaraes only dreams of La Liga for now. For this exact reason, Barcelona are quite the attractive side for him to consider joining.
Moreover, Deco’s influence over the Brazilian market and players from the country could likely play a major role in making this deal a reality at some point.
As it stands, the most Barcelona are willing to go up to for Guimaraes is €80 million. However, this amount would not be all in cash. Instead, it would be a combination of both monetary funds and the value of the player they are willing to let go off to the other team.