Barcelona Set To Rival Liverpool For This Newcastle United Ace: Should Xavi Snap Him Up? | OneFootball

In a recent report, Goal Brasil mentioned that Barcelona are set to rival Liverpool for Newcastle United ace Bruno Guimaraes. It is understood that the Catalan club has begun talks to secure the services of the Brazilian midfielder this summer.

Guimaraes’ Decent Run Of Form At St. James’ Park

Guimaraes has enjoyed a brilliant campaign at the Tyneside club after putting in a run of solid performances at the centre of Eddie Howe’s midfield. The 25-year-old has featured in 40 matches for the Magpies this season, finding the back of the net on five occasions and grabbing five assists in all competitions.

The Brazilian sensation has anchored the midfield with a lot of conviction for Newcastle by averaging 2.4 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 0.6 clearances, 0.9 shots, 1.3 key passes and 1.4 dribbles per game in Premier League football. He has even taken care of the ball when distributing it from midfield based on his pass completion rate of 84.6% in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).

His current contract with the Magpies will run out in 2026. Hence, it won’t be easy for Barcelona to win the race for him ahead of the new campaign.

Newcastle United’s Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes celebrates after scoring his team fourth goal during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Brighton and Hove Albion at St James’ Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on May 18, 2023. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

Should Barcelona Boss Xavi Snap Guimaraes Up This Summer?

Guimaraes is a solid tackler of the ball and can read the danger well to earn the ball back for his side at the centre of the park. He doesn’t mind clearing his lines when needed and can even engineer a few inviting chances for his teammates in the final third.

The Brazilian midfield ace can strike the ball with power from long range and is a good dribbler with it as well. Hence, he will be an excellent fit for Xavi’s style of play at Barcelona.

We can expect Guimaraes to bring more quality to Barca‘s midfield department and help the Catalan club challenge for some major trophies over the next few seasons. Thus, Xavi should focus on getting a deal done for the Newcastle star this summer.