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Liverpool sent blunt Bruno Guimaraes warning and James Maddison transfer plea
Glen Johnson has warned against a move for Newcastle United talisman Bruno Guimaraes this summer.
Reports have linked Liverpool with a move for Guimaraes, who has emerged as one of the Premier League’s best midfielders since arriving in January last year. After making his name at Lyon, the Brazilian joined Newcastle amid a relegation battle, helping the club survive before securing Champions League football – at Liverpool’s expense – last season.
Alexis Mac Allister has already signed as the first name of Jurgen Klopp’s midfield rebuild and Guimaraes would undeniably be another excellent addition. However, former Reds star Johnson highlighted the Magpies’ Champions League status as a potential hurdle to enticing the 25-year-old.
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Speaking to Betfred, the ex-defender admitted Liverpool’s pull could be an overriding factor but luring Guimaraes from St James’ Park – with Newcastle earning European football for the first time in a decade – would prove difficult.
“If you’re playing for Newcastle United in the Champions League, then that is hard to give up,” Johnson said. “I don’t know whether he sees himself at Newcastle in the long-term, but any time that a club like Liverpool comes in for you, then it’s always going to grab your attention.
“However, in regards to a move this summer, all the best players want to play in the Champions League so he may want to stay at Newcastle for that reason. I still believe that Liverpool will have a sniff because it’s Liverpool after all and they’re going to be back in the Champions League themselves sooner rather than later.”
Johnson also believes a Newcastle target, James Maddison, “has the class” to play for Liverpool next season. Eddie Howe’s side are reportedly tussling with Tottenham Hotspur to sign the Leicester City midfielder.
Newcastle failed in two approaches for the 26-year-old last summer, with the highest bid understood to be around £45million. Despite suffering relegation with the Foxes, Maddison’s stock remains high following a fruitful campaign.
An impressive 10 goals and nine assists for a struggling side makes a Premier League return inevitable and, with one year left on his contract, the midfielder could now be available for a cut-price fee. Johnson has urged Liverpool to consider a potential hijack to bolster their midfield.
“James Maddison is probably the one player from the relegated clubs that has the class to play for a Chelsea or a Liverpool,” he added. “I doubt they’d be able to do that deal on the cheap because he’s Leicester City’s prized asset and he’s far too good to be playing in the Championship next season.”
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