Contact made: Liverpool and FSG agreed a deal to sign a new midfielder

The Newcastle United midfielder has already been heavily linked with a summer move to Barcelona.

Liverpool have held discussions regarding a summer deal to sign Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, according to reports.

Is Bruno Guimaraes leaving Newcastle?

The Premier League giants have confirmed that James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have all left the club, as well as loanee Arthur Melo, so Jurgen Klopp is in the market for central reinforcements and the 25-year-old has seemingly been highlighted as an ideal target.

The Brazilian international still has another three years remaining on his contract, but being Eddie Howe’s top-performing defensive player last season, has caught the eye of the boss at Anfield, alongside overseas.

The Times report that Barcelona are interested in a deal for the northeast outfit’s star, and whilst 90min have since claimed that the Magpies are confident that he will sign a new deal over the summer, that hasn’t stopped FSG from attempting to take a bite of the cherry.

Are Liverpool signing Guimaraes?

According to Goal Brasil (via Sport Witness), Liverpool have “opened talks” to land Guimaraes as well as Barcelona, with both admirers “willing to try” to buy him. The Merseyside outfit have “made contact” to discover what it would take to get a deal over the line, and whilst the player’s representatives have personally “told” Newcastle about the interest, they understand that his “preference” is to remain at St. James’ Park.

Would Guimaraes be a good signing for Liverpool?

Liverpool have played against Newcastle and indeed Guimaraes on several occasions so will know what he’s capable of, and having been dubbed a defensive midfield “orchestrator” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, he could be a fantastic signing for FSG.

The World Cup participant, who pockets £120k-per-week, recorded a total of 78 tackles throughout the 2022/23 campaign which was more than any other of his teammates, as per FBRef, but he’s also capable of chipping in at the opposite end of the pitch.

The Rio de Janeiro native clocked up nine goal contributions (five assists and four goals) in the top-flight last term and made 110 shot-creating actions which was the second-highest number in the northeast, so is constantly looking to produce moments of quality.

Finally, Guimaraes has the versatility to operate slightly further up the pitch in central midfield and even at centre-back alongside his natural position sitting just in front of the backline, so he could be a great option for Klopp to have at his disposal should the opportunity ever present itself, however, a move could be tricky to complete.

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Who is Manu Kone? The £40m ‘Jude Bellingham alternative’ Liverpool are ‘in talks to sign’

Liverpool have been linked with a move to sign Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone this summer.

Any move could be assisted by Liverpool’s new sporting director Jorg Schmadtke, with the Reds announcing the German’s appointment to the role on Tuesday.

The 59-year-old former goalkeeper will officially begin his role on June 1, and has strong knowledge of German markets, having previously worked as a sporting director at Wolfsburg, Koln and Hannover.

But who is Kone, and how could he improve Liverpool if he signs this summer? Let’s take a look.

Who is Manu Kone?

France youth international Kone signed for Monchengladbach in the summer of 2021 from French side Toulouse, where he came through the club’s academy.

Kone has gone on to make 57 Bundesliga appearances, with 30 of those being recorded during the current campaign.

He a combative midfielder, having picked up 22 bookings during his time in Germany. Kone is yet to be sent off in a match, however, showing he has good temperament.

How has he played this season?

The 22-year-old has proven his strong defensive talents this season, having performed more tackles per match (2.5) than any other member of the Monchengladbach squad, per WhoScored. He has also committed the most fouls per match (1.7).

In the attacking phase, he has produced the most dribbles per match (1.8) of any member of the squad. And in contrast to the fouls he commits, he has also been on the receiving end of the most fouls per match (2.5) as well.

Although Kone is not a goalscoring midfielder – his best season in that regard is the three goals he netted for Toulouse in 2020/21 – his ball progression statistics could make him an ideal fit for Klopp’s system.

What’s been said about him?

Speaking after Kone’s debut for Gladbach in September 2021, his then manager Adi Hutter pointed towards how the Frenchman could fit in at Liverpool.

He said: “He’s a player with a lot of potential. I think he forms a very good trio in central midfield with Denis Zakaria and Jonas Hofmann. That’s fun.”

And in a report from June 2022, scouting website Breaking the Lines detailed: “Kone has been one of the most impressive players in the Bundesliga this [2021/22] season, showcasing his versatility, athleticism and technical ability.

“Standing at 6ft 1in, Kone is an imposing figure in midfield, but he also possesses great speed and agility. This allows him to cover a lot of ground on the pitch and make an impact both defensively and offensively … Kone is a very good passer of the ball and has an excellent work ethic.”

Why might Liverpool be interested?

The above indicates that Kone would be an excellent addition to a Liverpool midfield three – which is the preferred system of Klopp throughout his time at Anfield.

He would add an element of dynamism to the centre of the pitch, with his ability to drive between both boxes, work rate and overall passing skill meaning that it is no surprise as to why Liverpool are reportedly keen on signing him this summer.

Described as a ‘Jude Bellingham alternative’ by talkSPORT, he could certainly be an affordable option as the Reds look to rebuild their midfield.

What’s the latest?

German outlet BILD claim the Reds have “big” intentions to sign Kone, and have already begun talks by enquiring about the midfielder.

They have been quoted an asking price of at least €40 to €45 million (around £34 to £38 million).

It is added that Gladbach want to negotiate a high fee in order to sell the midfielder, but are also wary of needing quick funds to fulfil their own ambitions in the transfer market, with it said to be ‘already clear’ that Kone will depart the club.