Bruno Guimaraes. News Images

Contract loophole could help Liverpool sign Bruno Guimaraes

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 1/15/24

Newcastle United are reportedly looking to balance their checkbook after posting losses of $93.8M for the 2022-23 financial year. In order to get back on track, they might need to part with some of their best players. As such, the future of Bruno Guimaraes on Tyneside has been thrown into doubt.

According to AS, Guimaraes has a $124.7M buyout clause in his contract. Yet, rather than requiring payment in full to trigger the clause, a team would only need to pay $40M upfront and then a further two yearly payments of $40M.

According to Kieran King of the Mirror, the ability to stagger payments has piqued Liverpool's interest.

"Liverpool could sign Bruno Guimaraes for [over $40M] per season for the next three years as the Reds plot a move for the Newcastle midfielder," Kieran King reported. "The Brazil international is someone Liverpool are admirers of, after the Reds 'made contact' with Newcastle over a potential switch for Guimaraes back in May."

Guimaraes is a fan favorite for The Toon. Since signing from Lyon, he has proven himself to be one of the best midfielders in the Premier League and has been drawing interest from some of Europe's elite teams.

Newcastle's wealthy ownership was supposed to ensure Newcastle didn't find itself in this position. The financial backing is potentially endless.

However, Financial Fair Play and the restrictions imposed because of Newcastle's current revenue streams have left the ownership group with their hands tied. Losing Guimaraes will be a tough blow for Newcastle. He's one of their best players and the poster boy for their rapid growth under Howe.

Losing him to a Premier League rival would sting, too. However, if Liverpool triggers his release clause and Guimaraes agrees terms on a contract, there's not much Newcastle can do.

It looks like The Toon have some tough choices on their hands. That may lead to them taking a step back before they start moving forward again.

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