Manchester United is not the only club that has casually kicked the tires on Newcastle captain Bruno Guimarães this summer. Liverpool did too, according to transfer insider Ben Jacobs. But before anyone in Merseyside starts dreaming of a midfield refresh, there’s a catch: the Reds are not expected to follow through.
Jacobs told The Redmen TV that Liverpool made an initial inquiry through Guimarães’s representatives. That’s it. No formal offer. Just a conversation, similar to the one United had months ago. Arsenal is the only Premier League side that’s actually put a number on the table so far.
Newcastle’s Stance Hasn’t Budged
The i Paper reports that Newcastle’s position remains firm: they will “not entertain” offers for their 28-year-old midfielder. And here’s the part that complicates things for any suitor. Guimarães is apparently open to signing a new contract at St. James’ Park. That’s not what clubs hunting for a bargain want to hear.
The Magpies would likely demand well north of the £55 million figure that’s been floated. And after last summer’s Alexander Isak saga, where Newcastle held out for a record fee, nobody should expect them to cave easily on their captain.
Still, the player’s camp is doing what agents do. They’re testing the market, seeing what interest is out there. That’s standard practice, especially for a player coming off a strong World Cup campaign where he started every game for Brazil and racked up three assists.
Liverpool’s Age Calculus
Jacobs added that Liverpool might prefer a younger profile. Guimarães turns 29 before the next season ends. That’s not old, but it’s not exactly in line with the club’s recent recruitment patterns either. They’ve been leaning toward players with resale value and room to grow.
For United, the calculus is different. They need a direct replacement for Casemiro, who left a hole the size of a crater in midfield. Guimarães can play as a deep-lying screen, he can advance the ball, and he’s got the creative instincts that Kobbie Mainoo would thrive alongside. On paper, it makes sense.
But INEOS has shown a preference for younger targets. The question is whether Guimarães, for all his quality, fits that philosophy at the price Newcastle would demand.
What Actually Happens Next
For now, nothing is imminent. Arsenal has made an approach. Liverpool made a phone call. United has kicked the tires. But Newcastle is not actively shopping their captain, and Guimarães seems content — at least publicly — to stay.
The one to watch might be the player’s representatives. If they keep finding willing listeners, Newcastle could eventually face a decision. But as things stand, Guimarães looks more likely to sign an extension than a move away.
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