From Brazil: Insistence all parties now in talks over Newcastle United star’s exit

There’s growing noise from Brazil suggesting serious developments around the future of Newcastle United’s star midfielder, Bruno Guimarães.

In recent weeks, speculation has intensified about a potential move to Saudi Arabia, and those whispers have now taken a more defined shape.

According to reputable reports out of Brazil—specifically from TNT Sports Brasil and senior journalist Marcelo Bechler—all parties involved are now reportedly in active discussions regarding Guimarães’ possible departure from Tyneside.

The Saudi Arabian club believed to be pursuing the Brazilian international is Al-Ittihad. Talks are said to be ongoing between representatives of the club, Newcastle United officials, and the player’s camp.

While there’s no official confirmation from any of the involved parties, the claims suggest that this isn’t just preliminary interest—it’s a conversation that has moved into a more advanced stage.

Guimarães is currently under contract with Newcastle until June 2028, and his deal includes a hefty €120 million release clause, which serves as a significant obstacle for any club hoping to lure him away without Newcastle’s direct consent.

This reported interest comes at a critical time for Newcastle, a club aiming to cement its place among the Premier League elite and challenge in European competitions.

Guimarães has been instrumental to their rise in recent seasons, bringing composure, creativity, and a relentless work ethic to the midfield.

Losing him would be a major blow not only on the pitch but also in terms of the club’s long-term project and credibility on the global football stage.

Despite the credibility of the source, there’s still an air of skepticism surrounding the situation. Newcastle United, unless under unexpected financial pressure or guided by a change in strategy, have little incentive to part ways with one of their most valuable assets.

Selling Guimarães would raise eyebrows, especially if done outside a top-tier European context. The Premier League remains the most visible stage in world football, and it’s hard to imagine Newcastle willingly weakening their squad unless the player actively pushes for a move or the release clause is met in full.

From the player’s perspective, timing is everything. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon and a new era under manager Carlo Ancelotti beginning for Brazil, Guimarães will likely want to stay in the spotlight.

Playing in the Premier League, regarded as the pinnacle of club football, offers him the best platform to remain central to Ancelotti’s plans.

A switch to Saudi Arabia, while financially enticing, might carry risks in terms of visibility and competitive relevance—two key factors for any international player aiming to cement their place in the national team setup.

Nonetheless, the insistence from Brazilian sources cannot be ignored. The nature of modern football means even long-term contracts and high-profile roles within a team no longer guarantee stability.

If Al-Ittihad or any other club from the Saudi Pro League decides to activate the release clause, Newcastle could find themselves powerless to stop the transfer unless the player opts to stay.

Until then, this situation remains fluid, and it’s certainly one worth watching as the summer transfer window approaches.

For now, Guimarães remains a Newcastle United player, fully committed on the pitch and loved by supporters who see him as a symbol of the club’s new ambitions.

But as interest mounts and negotiations unfold behind closed doors, the coming weeks will reveal whether this speculation turns into something more substantial—or whether it fades away like so many other transfer rumors before it.