Liverpool add TWO top midfielders to summer transfer shortlist

Tom Hancock

28 Apr 2023 15:43 BST
3 min read

Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool, 2022/23 — © ProShots

Liverpool have added Newcastle Bruno Guimaraes and PSG’s Renato Sanches to their shortlist of summer midfield transfer targets.

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The Reds recently pulled out of the race to sign Jude Bellingham due to the Borussia Dortmund’s enormous valuation of the England star, but they are still set to upgrade in the middle of the park this summer.

Despite a recent upturn in form, Jurgen Klopp’s side have shown a concerningly soft centre this season, making the need for a revamp of that department all the more obvious.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Liverpool are keen on a move for 25-year-old Brazil international Guimaraes – who has been a standout performer in Newcastle’s excellent campaign.

Meanwhile, Football Insisder are reporting that Jurgen Klopp is a ‘long-term admirer’ of Portugal international Sanches, also 25 – who previously endured a disastrous spell in the Premier League on loan at Swansea.

Given Liverpool’s almost certain lack of Champions League football next term, though, a deal for Guimaraes in particular seems likely to prove rather difficult – with Newcastle well on their way to securing a return to Europe’s top club competition.

© ProShots - Guimaraes has been integral to Newcastle's Champions League push

On the move again so soon?

Guimaraes joined Newcastle form Lyon in January 2022, becoming one of the club’s first signings since their Saudi-backed takeover and one of the most expensive arrivals in their history.

As for Sanches, the former Bayern Munich and Benfica man only made the switch from PSG to Lille last summer; however, he has seen little action for the Ligue 1 leaders, with 15 of his 21 appearances so far in all competitions coming from the bench.

Currently, Guimaraes and Sanches have Estimated Transfer Values (ETV) of €50m (£43.9m) and €22.7m (£19.9m) respectively.