Liverpool are pushing to get their midfield overhaul over the line, and the biggest name linked right now is Bruno Guimarães.
Reports in the last few weeks claim the Brazilian has arrived at Anfield to complete his medical ahead of a potential £100 million move from Newcastle United. bff8
Here’s everything we know so far.
The latest: Medical at Anfield
According to transfer updates circulating this summer, Guimarães has been spotted at Anfield to undergo medical tests as Liverpool close in on one of the window’s biggest deals. The move is described as a “sensational £100 million” transfer from Newcastle, with the midfielder set to sign a five-year contract.
The timing fits Liverpool’s plan. Andoni Iraola, now in charge at Anfield, is looking to add energy and leadership to a midfield that looked “extremely leggy” last season. With medicals underway, fans are now waiting on the official announcement.
Why Liverpool want him
Guimarães, 28, has been one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders since joining Newcastle from Lyon in 2022. He’s made 195 appearances for the Magpies and built a reputation for aggression, composure, creativity and leadership.
Last season he was Newcastle’s top performer in midfield: 9 goals, 7 assists, and leading the club charts for chances created and accurate long passes per 90. He also averaged 9.2 defensive contributions per game.
For Liverpool, that profile is exactly what they’re missing. The Reds are expected to refresh the middle of the park this summer, with Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones both linked with moves away. Adding Guimarães alongside Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch would give Iraola a complete, elite midfield four.
Former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann has been vocal about it too: “Bruno Guimaraes would be better [than Jude Bellingham] for Liverpool… he is a battler, a fighter, a warrior. I think that’s what Liverpool need”.
Tactically, Guimarães can play as a No.6 or box-to-box. His defensive work would free Gravenberch to operate in more advanced areas, while his passing range adds the control Liverpool lacked at times last year.
The competition and Newcastle’s stance
Liverpool aren’t alone. Reports say the Reds have made initial contact with Guimarães’ agent to sound out a move, and intermediaries have also contacted Arsenal, Man City, Man United, Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Arsenal are said to be at a more advanced stage, and The Athletic reported Guimarães has told Newcastle he wants to leave and join the Gunners. Arsenal are willing to pay up to £60m / $80m, but Newcastle are not entertaining bids yet.
Newcastle themselves are in flux after finishing 12th in the Premier League. They’ve already lost Anthony Gordon to Barcelona and Sandro Tonali to Tottenham, and don’t wish to lose Guimarães either.
TeamTalk reported Newcastle want their full £100m asking price if they sell, which matches the figure linked to the Anfield medical.
What happens next
If the medical is completed successfully, the deal comes down to two things: personal terms and Newcastle accepting a bid. As of now there hasn’t been contact between the two clubs, but the fact Guimarães is at Anfield for checks suggests things are moving fast.
Liverpool also have alternatives shortlisted including Adam Wharton, Eduardo Camavinga and Ayyoub Bouaddi. But Guimarães is seen as the statement signing — a proven Premier League leader who can play immediately at the top level.
Verdict
A £100m move for Guimarães would be Liverpool’s biggest midfield investment since the Mac Allister/Szoboszlai double. He brings Premier League experience, leadership as Newcastle captain, and the all-round game to fix the balance issues that cost Liverpool last season.
Whether it gets done depends on if Liverpool can hijack Arsenal’s pursuit and convince Newcastle to sell. But with a medical reportedly happening at Anfield, the Reds are at least one step closer.