Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has stated that he will do everything in his power to keep Bruno Guimaraes at St James’ Park this summer, but has made a concerning revelation in the face of heavy speculations of a club-record move to Manchester City.
The Brazilian star has undoubtedly been the best signing since PIF’s contentious purchase of St James’ Park in October 2021, with Guimaraes immediately establishing himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet and a huge fan favourite. The 26-year-old, who cost only £40 million from Lyon in January 2022, is a proven winner who has done more than any other player to restore Newcastle to their former glory.
Indeed, he helped Newcastle qualify for the Champions League this season, thanks to their previous top-four result. However, with the team suffering a slew of devastating injuries this season, it’s little surprise their play has dipped, leaving the Magpies with a difficult task in even qualifying for next season’s UEFA Conference League.
Worryingly, suggestions that the club is walking a tightrope over financial fair play (FFP) standards imply that Newcastle may have to surrender at least one big-name star this summer.
While Arsenal has been linked with striker Alexander Isak, which he has promptly refuted, Newcastle’s primary concern is that star midfielder Guimaraes could be enticed away.
To that aim, Pep Guardiola is said to be determined to sign Guimaraes for Manchester City, believing his toughness in midfield and will to win would be ideal for the Citizens.
Eddie Howe makes feelings clear on Bruno Guimaraes future
The game’s top midfielders now command a premium price, as evidenced by Declan Rice (to Arsenal) and Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandes, all of whom cost more than £100 million.
As a result, Newcastle are apparently valuing Guimaraes at £90 million, a sale that would easily break the transfer record at St James’ Park, which is now set at the comparatively modest £35 million fee paid by Liverpool for Andy Carroll in January 2011.
Such a sale would undoubtedly devastate Newcastle and its fans, gravely undermining their chances of regaining their place among the Premier League’s finest next season.
As a result, it’s no surprise that Howe has expressed his desire to keep the 26-year-old midfielder, though he concedes he will refrain from making any “foolish” predictions about the player’s future and amid the Man City transfer rumours.
With PSG, Liverpool, and Real Madrid reportedly interested in the player, Howe stated, “Let me tell you, players like Bruno are not around every corner.”
“They are extremely rare. Bruno deserves to be valued for what he provides. “My intention is to keep Bruno at the club for as long as possible.”
A cautious Howe said, “I can never give guarantees. That would be incredibly foolish of me.
“We’ve been in football long enough to know that you never know what will happen tomorrow. He is a key member of the team and is performing admirably.”
Guimaraes will make his 100th appearance for Newcastle on Saturday, when they face Fulham at Craven Cottage. In that time, the 20-times capped Brazilian international has 13 goals and 12 assists. He is regarded as a complete midfielder, and his contract at St James’ Park runs until the summer of 2028.
