- Sebastian Bassong drops Bruno Guimaraes verdict
- Is Brazil international a Magpies legend already?
- Ex Newcastle and Spurs man thinks he may be
Ex Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur defender Sebastian Bassong has put Bruno Guimaraes as ‘up there’ when it comes to all-time greats at the club.
The Brazil international has only been on Tyneside since January 2022, having arrived on a £40 million transfer from Lyon. Guimaraes has had quite the journey since then.
When the midfielder landed at St James’ Park, he could barely speak English and cut a somewhat timid figure among teammates. Now, Guimaraes arguably has the biggest presence in the XI as club captain.
The player’s return from injury last month helped end a torrid run of Magpies form, having missed crunch fixtures in February and March due to a hamstring injury.
Sebastian Bassong drops Bruno Guimaraes verdict
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Eddie Howe was without Guimaraes for the Champions League last 16 clash against FC Barcelona, the FA Cup last 16 with Manchester City, the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against the Cityzens and the Tyne-Wear derby.
The uplift Guimaraes has provided since then has underlined his importance to the side. There are few more loved figures in Newcastle, not only now, but in the history of the club.
Ex Magpies man Bassong was on hand to give his verdict on current matters at the club and we asked the 39-year-old whether he would consider Guimaraes an ‘all-time great’ at the club.
Speaking exclusively to Read Newcastle via BetGoodwin, Bassong said:
“He is up there for sure. He has achieved silverware, so this puts him in a top bracket for sure. His all-round midfield game is excellent, his influence, goals, assists and leadership as well have been evident and he is a star player.”
Newcastle United made huge profit on Bassong
The defender knows Newcastle well, having been offered his first opportunity in the UK with the Magpies. In July 2008, Bassong was offered a one-week trial from Metz and impressed enough, including in a pre-season friendly against Doncaster Rovers, to warrant a £500,000 transfer.
Bassong was named Player of the Season for the 2008/09 campaign and viewed as a real transfer coup. However, following relegation, the Frenchman pushed for a transfer amid interest from Arsenal, Manchester City and Spurs, opting for White Hart Lane.
Newcastle sold the defender for £15 million, representing a huge profit turnaround in just 12 months. There are some transfer rumours around the future of Guimaraes, whose sale would also be a big payday for the club, with a £100 million fee touted.
Magpies supporters will be desperate to see Guimaraes stay and continue to write his name into club folklore, resisting temptation from European sides, which turned the head of Bassong all those years ago.
In other news, Newcastle United already have the solution to Anthony Gordon’s exit.
