Bruno Guimaraes has 'secret clause' in Newcastle contract that could see him join Champions League rivals

Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has a 'secret clause' in his contract that could allow him to join one of the club's Champions League rivals, it has been claimed.

Guimaraes has been a star player for Eddie Howe's side since his arrival from Lyon in January 2022, regularly topping the Premier League's key midfield statistics.

The Brazil midfielder was directly involved in nine goals last season in helping the Magpies to qualify for the Champions League, while his tackling and all-round defensive attributes have made him a complete midfielder.

It is understandable, therefore, that Newcastle would want to tie down one of their key assets to a longer deal, and he signed a new contract just days after the Magpies stunned PSG 4-1 in the Champions League earlier this month.

The midfielder committed his future to the club until the summer of 2028.

And speaking in an interview with Newcastle's official website, Guimaraes said: "I'm so happy here. It's a place that is so comfortable to be and I hope to keep making the supporters happy and helping the team do well.

"That's my goal, because there are no words to describe how happy I am to be here."

However, Guimaraes' long-term future could be away from Newcastle if a reported contract clause comes to fruition.

According to Spanish outlet Sport, the 25-year-old 'dreams' of one day playing for Barcelona - now one of the Magpies' Champions League rivals.

And it is claimed that the player's new contract with Newcastle features a 'secret clause' that means Xavi's side could sign him in future.

The clause reportedly means that if Barca expressed interest in signing the Brazilian, he would be available at a lower transfer fee to Les Cules than he would to another elite club.

A discount on Guimaraes' cost would be particularly important to Barca given their current financial issues - and while those exact issues may mean Newcastle aren't worried about the prospect of losing Guimaraes at the moment, that may change in the future.

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