In what has been a season of remarkable progress for Newcastle United, one player has stood out as the driving force behind the Magpies’ rise — Bruno Guimaraes. The 27-year-old Brazilian midfielder has established himself as an indispensable figure in Eddie Howe’s setup, combining flair with resilience to propel the team to new heights. As the club continues to push for European contention, Guimaraes’ value both on and off the pitch has never been clearer.
A Vital Role in Newcastle’s Success
Since his arrival in January 2022, Guimaraes has become synonymous with Newcastle’s transformation. His performances this season, where he has amassed two goals and eight assists in 30 appearances, underscore his importance to the team. His match-winning display in the Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal, where he controlled the midfield with composure and vision, was just the latest example of his class. While Alexander Isak has garnered much of the headlines for his goals, Guimaraes remains the heartbeat of this Newcastle team.
Interest From the Elite: Barcelona and Manchester City
However, Newcastle’s growing success has not gone unnoticed. Bruno Guimaraes has caught the eye of some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with Barcelona and Manchester City reportedly circling. Barcelona, particularly, see the Brazilian as an ideal replacement for Frenkie de Jong, should they decide to cash in on the Dutch midfielder in the summer. On the other hand, Manchester City, who have long been admirers of Guimaraes, are also considering making a move for the midfielder, as they seek to strengthen their already star-studded squad.
The presence of Pep Guardiola, who has previously praised Guimaraes’ all-round game, only adds to the speculation. With City having recently bolstered their midfield with the addition of Nico Gonzalez from Porto, it remains to be seen whether they will continue their pursuit of Guimaraes, but one thing is clear: the Brazilian is firmly on their radar.
Newcastle’s Response: Securing Their Star
In light of growing interest from both Barcelona and Manchester City, Newcastle are moving quickly to secure Guimaraes’ long-term future. The midfielder signed a new contract with the club in November 2023, extending his stay until 2028, but with the expiry of his £100 million release clause last summer, the club is proactively entering contract talks. Discussions are expected to take place in the coming weeks, as the club seeks to offer Guimaraes a new deal that reflects his importance to the team.
The club’s wage structure, which is traditionally conservative, may see some flexibility in the case of Guimaraes, with a salary increase likely. However, it is understood that Newcastle will be cautious not to break their wage cap, which currently stands at around £160,000 per week for Guimaraes.
The Howe-GUimaraes Bond: A Key Factor
One of the most compelling reasons for Bruno Guimaraes to remain at Newcastle is his deep connection with Eddie Howe. The two have developed a strong bond since Howe took over in 2021, and Guimaraes has made no secret of his admiration for his manager. In the aftermath of the victory over Arsenal, Guimaraes credited Howe for his tactical brilliance in helping secure the win.
“For me, he’s amazing. We could not have a better manager than him. Since he signed for the club, the club improved a lot. I think he won the game in the pre-match. The shape was perfect, very smart. He deserves the credit.”
This mutual respect is indicative of the relationship that has flourished between manager and player, and it is likely to play a crucial role in Guimaraes’ decision to stay at St. James’ Park.
A Fan’s Perspective: Building the Future Around Guimaraes
From the perspective of a Newcastle supporter, the prospect of losing Bruno Guimaraes to a club like Barcelona or Manchester City would be devastating. Guimaraes is not just a talented midfielder; he is a symbol of the club’s ambition and progress under Eddie Howe. His contributions on the pitch, combined with his clear love for the project at Newcastle, make him the ideal player to build around.
The importance of securing Guimaraes is not just for the present but for the future. As Newcastle continue to push for European qualification and beyond, keeping their best player is not just a smart footballing decision — it is a statement of intent.
The Road Ahead
In the coming weeks, expect to hear more on Bruno Guimaraes’ future, as Newcastle move to finalise contract talks. With interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe, it’s clear that Guimaraes’ stock has never been higher. But with Eddie Howe’s vision and the club’s rapid ascent, Newcastle United are in a strong position to keep their midfield maestro for the long term. The future is bright, and Bruno Guimaraes is at the heart of it.
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