Speaking to Sport, Athletico Paranaense starlet Vitor Roque revealed his admiration for Bruno Guimaraes, with Newcastle United joining Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Premier League rivals Arsenal in the race for his signature.
The other side of Christmas, Andrey Santos was similarly effusive about Newcastle’s number 39, describing Bruno Guimaraes as a ‘phenomenal’ talent. That was, of course, before he chose Chelsea over Eddie Howe’s side.
Meanwhile, Roque appears to be leaning toward Barcelona. He admitted as much in an earlier Sports interview, saying that the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of idol and former Camp Nou hero Luis Suarez was too good to pass up.
Guimaraes’ emergence as one of Europe’s best midfielders, at the very least, should provide Newcastle with something to hope for. After all, Roque, like Bruno, rose through the ranks at Athletico Paranaense and could be mentored by the man himself if he ends up at St James’ Park.
“Athletico Paranaense has always produced great players,” Roque says. “Like Bruno Guimaraes, who is now at Newcastle and played for Brazil in the last World Cup.”
Roque, a’revelation’ in Brazil’s top flight last season, boosted his burgeoning reputation by scoring six goals in eight games as the Selecao won the U20 South American championships.
According to Goal, Arsenal director Edu Gaspar has begun talks with Roque’s representatives. However, there is growing optimism that the teenager will end up at Barcelona, as he is now free to sign a summer transfer to Europe after turning 18.
“Vitor will most likely be sold,” predicts Luiz Felipe Scolari.
Brazil’s World Cup-winning manager now works as a technical director at Athletico Paranaense.
“On the field, he still has a lot to learn. “However, he’s been playing in the Campeonato Brasileiro and the Copa Libertadores since he was 16 years old,” Scolari adds. “He’s a 17-year-old boy with the mind and experience of a 24- or 25-year-old.
“He’s prepared. I believe we will sell when (a club) has enough money.”
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