Newcastle United may need to cash in on Bruno Guimaraes at the conclusion of the season.
Dan Ashworth, Newcastle United’s sporting director, may need to sell Bruno Guimaraes this summer and replace him on the cheap. The Magpies have been hampered by Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules in recent months, but Luton Town’s unexpected signing Ross Barkley could be the answer to their prayers.
Barkley has been in fantastic form since joining Luton last summer. His six Premier League goals in 17 appearances are complemented by a series of outstanding passing displays from central midfield.
Newcastle, Ashworth, and manager Eddie Howe got a close look at Barkley on Saturday, when he scored one goal and set up another in an exciting 4-4 tie at St James’ Park. Some expect the 30-year-old to make a late run for Gareth Southgate’s England Euro 2024 squad.
Barkley was supposedly offered to Newcastle last summer as a free agent after leaving OGC Nice. Although they let him slide through the net, the fact that he and Howe are represented by the same agency may allow them another chance at signing him at the end of the season.
If Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain pay Guimaraes’ £100 million release clause, a player with exceptional passing ability will be in high demand in Newcastle. Barkley, for example, may be available for free.
The length of his Luton contract is technically unknown, and manager Rob Edwards has made a concerted attempt to keep it that way. “You’ll need to do some research,” he told reporters. “I’m not going to say anything, we don’t like to give too much away.”
