Newcastle United fans have already seen two of their most important players, Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali, leave this summer. The former has signed for FC Barcelona in a £70 million transfer. The latter has moved to Tottenham Hotspur for a club-record £100 million package.
Naturally, Newcastle United supporters won’t want to see another high-profile exit take place this summer. So, it is understandable that they have been left worried by the Bruno Guimaraes exit rumours.
Guimaraes is arguably the best player remaining at Newcastle United. And he is showing that at the World Cup, having provided a tournament-high four assists already.
Of course, those performances have caught the eye of clubs around the world. Arsenal are believed to be interested in signing Guimaraes. Amid all this, a rumour cropped up suggesting that there is a release clause in the Brazilian midfielder’s contract. Is there truth to the claim?
Newcastle United clarify Bruno Guimaraes’ release clause situation
According to The Gazette, the outlet put these claims to Newcastle United, and they were firmly shut down. When asked for clarity, the club insisted that there is no release clause in Guimaraes’ current deal and no asking price either.
That will be music to the ears of Newcastle United fans. If there had indeed been a release clause, it would have become very difficult to keep him at St James’ Park beyond this summer.
Now, this is no guarantee that he will remain in place. Anything can happen in football. And there is a possibility that Guimaraes might view this as the right time to leave.
Why Guimaraes might want to leave this summer
The Magpies seem to be at the beginning of a rebuild. Tonali and Gordon have left. Alexander Isak also joined Liverpool a year ago. Then there are the rumours surrounding the future of Lewis Hall.
On the other hand, it looks like the Magpies are aiming to bring in youngsters rather than established names. They are on the verge of completing a deal for Bazoumana Toure. Talks are believed to be advanced with Johan Manzambi as well.
So, this might convince Guimaraes that the time for a change has come. Also, interest in him would have never been higher than this summer.
No matter how things end for Brazil, at an individual level, this has been a successful campaign for Guimaraes. And at 28 years of age, he is in his prime.
If he wants to leave Newcastle United, this might be his best chance to get a big-money move elsewhere. Or he can choose to stay at St James’ Park and establish himself as a club icon.
