Newcastle United fans are not buying Bruno Guimaraes’ comments about his move to Arsenal. Tyneside was far from impressed by the player’s claim he lost sleep because he had left the club.
The Brazilian says he “never felt so loved” at St James’ Park. Many Newcastle fans remain unmoved less than a month before he returns in the Premier League.
Guimaraes explains his Newcastle exit
Guimaraes said that he lay awake for many nights thinking about it. It was an emotional moment when he tearfully said goodbye to his teammates. He added that after winning the Carabao Cup in 2025, two Champions League qualifications, and having given everything to the club, he felt that he needed a fresh challenge.
There can be little doubt that he offered his all to the Magpies. He was signed from Lyon back in January 2022 when Newcastle were struggling to survive, providing them with a total of 195 appearances and 31 goals. He helped them win their first major piece of silverware in over 70 years. Beating Liverpool in the Carabao Cup.
Newcastle fans ready the boos
The backlash was swift. Some said the former Newcastle captain had “cleaned up his act”, with others saying he would not receive any love from the fans at St James’ Park.
One claimed he would be met with boos. Another said the titles he will win at the Emirates cannot compare to the success he had on Tyneside when the club was staring into the abyss of relegation.
Another said that there is no resentment towards the former captain. Anger will be reserved for Alexander Isak, who left for Liverpool a year ago.
Newcastle United’s summer of upheaval
Arsenal confirmed they had signed Guimaraes on an initial four-year deal with a fifth year on offer. Reports state it cost them £75 million. But Guimaraes had already told Newcastle that he wanted to leave the club and was reported to be desperately wanted by Sky Sports. He spoke about differences in ideas just before tearfully saying his goodbyes.
But he certainly wasn’t alone. Anthony Gordon joined Barcelona for a reported £69.3m. Sandro Tonali made the move to Tottenham Hotspur in an up to £100m deal. Eddie Howe has also been replaced by Matthias Jaissle. Newcastle finished 12th last season with 49 points. They’ve sold over £240m worth of players this summer, according to Sky Sports.
Newcastle vs Arsenal: what to expect on 21 November
Guimaraes has started well in north London. FootballTransfers reported two goals in his first ten games, including a win against Leeds United. The Gunners defend the title they won for the first time in 22 years.
Arsenal visit St James’ Park in the Premier League on Saturday, 21 November. Jaissle has already faced boos this season and urged his players to deliver. The atmosphere promises to be fierce for both sides, and Newcastle United transfer news rarely produces a more emotional return. The loudest jeers may be saved for the Bruno Guimaraes Arsenal homecoming and for the man who once captained Newcastle.
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