Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has stated he has held positive discussions with Bruno Guimaraes but cannot guarantee the midfielder’s future at the club. Reports indicate that Arsenal is preparing a £70m offer for the Brazil international, though Newcastle aims to retain their captain.
Howe confirmed he has spoken with Guimaraes before, during, and after the World Cup. He described Guimaraes as a “great player” and “great person,” but noted that the specifics of their conversations remain private. Howe also mentioned that he is not involved in speculation regarding Guimaraes’ future.
Guimaraes is expected to return to Newcastle on Friday following a holiday with his family after Brazil‘s exit from the World Cup. He is then scheduled to join the squad for a pre-season training camp in Spain. Howe emphasised that there is “nothing to say Bruno won’t be back training with us,” highlighting the club’s desire for him to stay.
Midfield Changes and New Arrivals
Newcastle‘s midfield has seen changes recently, with Sandro Tonali departing for Tottenham in a deal reportedly worth up to £100m. This move has led to a shift in Newcastle‘s transfer strategy, focusing on younger players aged 20 and under from continental Europe.
Among the new additions are midfielders Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba, who joined from Ajax and Monaco, respectively. Steur played 90 minutes in a pre-season friendly against Gateshead, where he impressed Howe. Willem Weijs, who previously managed Steur at Jong Ajax, described him as one of their academy’s “highest-rated” players, noting his technical ability, composure, and vision.
Weijs also highlighted Steur’s strengths in first touches, creating options in possession, and comfort on the ball in tight spaces. However, he also pointed out areas for development, particularly in the defensive aspect and competing in duels, suggesting a need for increased physical training.
Transfer Strategy and Player Development
Newcastle‘s new transfer approach involves taking calculated risks on promising young talents before their value potentially increases significantly. This strategy is evident in the acquisition of players like Steur, who, at 18, left Ajax for a fee reported to be up to £23m.
Alongside Steur and Bamba, other newcomers include Ewen Jaouen and Bazoumana Toure. Howe stressed the importance of supporting these new players and easing the pressure on them to allow for their development and enjoyment of their time at the club.
The manager’s desire to keep Bruno Guimaraes is underscored by the departures of other key players, including Alexander Isak, Sandro Tonali, and Anthony Gordon, over the past year. Arsenal is reportedly preparing a £70m bid for Guimaraes, having reportedly agreed personal terms with the player.
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Despite the interest from Arsenal, Newcastle is expected to reject any offers for Guimaraes, as they are keen to retain him on Tyneside. Howe’s discussions with Guimaraes have been described as “really good conversations” as he aims to persuade the player to remain with Newcastle this summer.
The Gunners are looking to strengthen their midfield options, with Guimaraes being a target. However, Newcastle‘s stance is clear: they want their captain to stay. Guimaraes is scheduled to return to Newcastle on Friday.
Source: bbc.com
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Charlie Bradshaw is the Senior Football Correspondent at News-GB, covering the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side with ten years of reporting experience. He covered Merseyside football before going national. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Liverpool John Moores University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Liverpool, he watches non-league sides and collects old match programmes. “The back page is only ever half the story.”