Newcastle may be forced to sell star player for £15m less after ‘verbal pact’ agreed

Bruno Guimarães has embraced the role of Newcastle United captain this season, taking over from Kieran Trippier in a move that surprised even him.

The Brazilian midfielder has exemplified what it means to wear the armband, setting a standard for leadership both on and off the pitch. His promotion came after he expressed a desire to take on more responsibility behind the scenes, and Eddie Howe saw him as the perfect fit to lead the squad into the 2024/25 campaign.

His presence has been influential in every aspect of the team. During a match against Liverpool in December, Dan Burn celebrated with him after he finally won his first coin toss of the season, a small but symbolic moment of his growing stature within the squad.

His leadership extends beyond the pitch, as seen when he consoled his compatriot Joelinton after an unfortunate error led to a Liverpool goal in their thrilling 3-3 draw. Guimarães consistently uplifts his teammates, recently congratulating Lewis Miley for his stunning goal in the FA Cup against Bromley.

He also dedicated Newcastle’s Carabao Cup semifinal victory over Arsenal to club legend Rob Lee, who was unable to attend after undergoing knee surgery.

While his commitment to Newcastle appears unwavering, speculation about his future continues to circulate. His influence on the team remains crucial, but a key factor could determine whether he stays at the club beyond this season.

When he signed a new contract in 2023, a £100 million release clause was included, leading to significant interest from Manchester City. Many expected the Premier League champions to trigger the clause, yet Guimarães remained loyal.

The clause has since expired, but reports now suggest Newcastle has a verbal agreement with him, allowing him to leave for around £85 million in the summer if the club fails to secure Champions League qualification and a competing club in the tournament makes an offer.

Manchester City remains interested despite adding Nico González in the January transfer window. Other European powerhouses are also monitoring the situation, knowing that a player of his caliber could make a significant impact on any top team.

However, Guimarães has thrived this season, benefiting from Sandro Tonali’s return to the squad following his 10-month suspension. Tonali’s deeper midfield role has allowed Guimarães to push forward more, enhancing his attacking contributions and showcasing his ability to influence games further up the pitch.

Despite the ongoing transfer rumors, it’s difficult to picture Guimarães playing anywhere other than Newcastle. He has fully bought into the club’s long-term project and continues to express his love for life on Tyneside.

In a recent interview, he declared himself a “Geordie,” emphasizing his deep connection with the city and its supporters. His desire for his children to grow up understanding what he has accomplished with Newcastle speaks volumes about his attachment to the club.

Even after his playing career ends, he has made it clear that he will continue to support Newcastle, a testament to the profound impact the club and its fans have had on him since his arrival in 2022.