Newcastle struck gold on “exceptional” star who’s now worth more than Wissa & Woltemade
The long and dramatic summer transfer window has finally closed, and for Newcastle United fans, it’s ended with a feeling that’s hard to pin down.
There’s relief that the constant speculation is over, but also a mix of disappointment and nervous excitement about what comes next.
The biggest story, of course, is the departure of Alexander Isak to Liverpool for a British record fee of £125 million. While the money is enormous, the way he left has left a sour taste.
The Swedish striker spent the entire summer on strike, refusing to join the team’s pre-season tour and even skipping an awards ceremony where he was honored.
This very public campaign to force a move has turned the once-adored hero into a figure of resentment, and most supporters are simply glad the saga is over, even if it means losing one of the league’s most talented players.
To fill the enormous void he left behind, the club has moved quickly and spent big, bringing in two new strikers. The first is Nick Woltemade, a 23-year-old German sensation signed from Stuttgart for an initial £65 million.
A year ago, he was relatively unknown, but a spectacular season where he scored 18 goals and led his team to a domestic cup victory completely changed his career.
He followed that up by winning the golden boot at the U21 European Championships this summer, announcing himself on the international stage.
Standing at an imposing 6 foot 6 inches tall but possessing a technical grace that has earned him the nickname “Woltemessi,” he represents a thrilling but unknown prospect for the Premier League.
On deadline day, the Magpies also finally secured their long-term target, Yoane Wissa, from Brentford for £55 million. In a ironic twist, Wissa himself had to employ the same tactics as Isak, refusing to play for his club to push for the move to Tyneside.
He leaves Brentford as their all-time leading Premier League scorer, a proven and consistent goal threat who netted 19 times last season.
While his talent is undeniable, paying £55 million for a 28-year-old, on top of the fee for Woltemade, highlights the incredible inflation in the market and serves to remind everyone what an unbelievable piece of business Isak was in the first place.
This reflection on smart business inevitably turns to the man who is now the undisputed heart and soul of the team: Bruno Guimarães.
Signed for £40 million during the club’s first transfer window under its new owners, the Brazilian midfielder has been an absolute revelation.
He instantly became a cult hero and has been the driving force behind the club’s incredible transformation from a relegation battler to a Champions League side and EFL Cup winner.
A look at his statistics from last season shows just how completely central he is to everything Newcastle does. He is not just a player; he is the engine of the entire team.
| Statistic | Bruno Guimarães (2024/25) | Newcastle Squad Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 3,844 | 2nd |
| Goals | 5 | 7th |
| Assists | 8 | 4th |
| Key Passes | 52 | 1st |
| Passes into Final 3rd | 180 | 1st |
| Progressive Passes | 271 | 1st |
| Shot-Creating Actions | 133 | 1st |
| Tackles | 83 | 1st |
| Ball Recoveries | 188 | 2nd |
The data paints a clear picture of a complete midfielder. He ranks first in almost every single creative and passing metric, proving he is the team’s chief playmaker.
But he also ranks first in tackles and second in ball recoveries, showing an incredible work rate and defensive contribution that makes him the team’s engine room as well.
He is everywhere, doing everything, and his current market value is estimated at around £69 million, proving that his £40 million price tag was one of the biggest bargains in recent Premier League history.
As praised by his international teammate Casemiro, Bruno has been “exceptional” and a “great player who has been demonstrating this in the most difficult league in the world.”
With Isak gone, the stage is now set for Bruno Guimarães to fully step into the role of the team’s talisman. He will be the leader who guides Newcastle into their Champions League campaign, starting with a spectacular opening night fixture against Barcelona at a buzzing St. James’ Park.
For the fans, while one saga has ended, a new and exciting chapter led by their Brazilian maestro is just beginning.