Eddie Howe is flat-out unsure if Newcastle will keep their captain, Bruno Guimaraes, this summer, and honestly, who can blame him? With intense interest from Arsenal and reports swirling about the Premier League champions loading up a massive £70 million offer for the Brazil international, things are looking seriously shaky for the Magpies. Guimaraes hasn’t even rejoined the squad yet after his World Cup duties, making the whole situation a giant question mark hanging over the club.
Howe On Edge As Guimaraes’ Future Looms Large
Howe spoke after Newcastle’s 1-1 pre-season friendly draw against Gateshead, and his words didn’t exactly scream confidence. He confirmed he’s been in touch with Guimaraes, calling him a “fantastic person” and praising their “really good conversations both before, during and after the World Cup.” But here’s the kicker: Howe admitted, “I don’t know what is going to happen with Bruno.” He even stated that speculating is for “other people” and that some conversations about Guimaraes’ future are happening without him. That’s a pretty wild admission for a manager about his team captain, isn’t it? The club absolutely loves the guy, with Howe speaking “on behalf of everyone at the football club when I say we absolutely love him and of course everyone wants him to stay,” but love might not be enough when a £70 million offer is on the table.
No Isak Repeat, But The Tension Is Real
Fans have been nervous, worried this could be a repeat of the Alexander Isak transfer saga from last summer, where Isak went on strike to force a move to Liverpool. But Howe is having none of that comparison. He firmly “shut down these comparisons,” stressing, “I don’t think it is fair to compare situations and what happened previously. You’ve got to look at this in its own right.” Howe expects Guimaraes to train as normal when he returns, despite the underlying whispers that he might wish to move on. “Bruno is captain of our football club,” Howe emphasized, calling him “an unbelievable player and person all the time we have worked together.” So, while the club is holding its breath, Howe is publicly putting his faith in his captain showing up and getting to work.
Guimaraes, currently on holiday with his family after Brazil’s disappointing World Cup last-16 exit to Norway, is scheduled to join Newcastle’s pre-season camp in Spain this Friday. His extended break, thanks to the World Cup, means his official return to training is planned for July 31st. Howe’s stance is clear: “There is nothing to say that Bruno won’t be back training with us.” But with that £70 million looming and the end of August fast approaching, will Newcastle be able to keep their leader? That’s the real question that’s going to dominate the headlines for weeks.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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