At a glance
- Guimaraes contract talks are not advancing
- Links away from St James’ Park
- The next stage of the project
Bruno Guimaraes is currently dealing with an injury, but he travelled with the Newcastle United squad for their Champions League exit to Barcelona on Wednesday. ESPN Brazil reports believe Guimaraes has paused his contract talks, which could see him depart St James’ Park.
The Newcastle captain has had several links away from the club in recent weeks, with Manchester United’s Brazilian midfielder, Casemiro, urging him to join the Red Devils.
Guimaraes had two years left on his current deal at the end of the season. He is one of the top earners at the club, with him reportedly earning around £160,000 per week (per Capology).
His importance can’t be overstated, so Eddie Howe will be desperate to get contract talks back underway.
More links away from Tyneside
The 28-year-old has been vital to Newcastle’s recent success, which has seen them qualify for the Champions League twice and win the Carabao Cup.
Following the Carabao Cup final, Guimaraes said it was “one of the best days of my life”, as he got to celebrate the success with the travelling Toon Army.
This season has been tricky for the Magpies, as they haven’t seen much consistency throughout the season. They currently sit in ninth in the Premier League, with their two recent league wins against Manchester United and Chelsea giving them an outside chance for European football.
With the club potentially missing out on Europe, some of their key personnel have been linked to summer moves, including Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali, Tino Livramento, and now Guimaraes.
It’s believed that Guimaraes has shifted his focus away from contract discussions to the World Cup in North America. He is keeping his plans wide open once the tournament is finished.
Guimaraes’ passion while wearing the Black and White stripes, as well as his important performances this year. He has made 14 goal contributions in the league, making him a major figure to keep on Tyneside.
Start of a Newcastle rebuild
Many would have considered last summer a fresh slate under Howe, with high-profile signings joining the club. All of them, aside from Yoane Wissa, were under the age of 24.
This summer may be even more impactful, and a clear case of ripping everything up and starting again, if the club fails to qualify for any European competition.
The sale of Alexander Isak may tempt some of the biggest clubs in football to take a keen interest in some of the Magpies’ best talents, and the rumours are already circulating.
Players like Guimaraes, Joelinton and Harvey Barnes are nearing their 30s, while Kieran Trippier and Jacob Murphy are already in their 30s. Supporters know they need a new goalkeeper this window, while another striker isn’t out of the question.
Howe needs to recognise the importance of each individual player to the current team, and what he wants his team to look like in three years.
With the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules hampering Newcastle’s progress in the past, it may be time to cash in on some players to build the project in the right direction.
Guimaraes is probably the last player in the squad the club would consider selling, given his leadership and top-class quality on the pitch, but if contract talks continue to stall, they may be forced to start planning potential replacements as they look towards the next stage of their project.
