Newcastle United have a clear date in mind for resolving Bruno Guimaraes' future, as Arsenal circle and the club maintain a firm stance that the Brazilian is not for sale. The 28-year-old midfielder, who captained the Magpies last season, saw his World Cup campaign end in heartbreaking fashion on Sunday when Brazil were eliminated by Norway in the last 16 after a 2-1 defeat, with Guimaraes having his penalty saved.
World Cup exit accelerates timeline
Guimaraes impressed for the Selecao in the tournament, registering four assists, but the early exit has shifted attention to his club future. He is now expected to return to Newcastle's training ground after a brief break, with the club targeting a return date of Monday, July 27 for pre-season training, based on manager Eddie Howe's earlier comments that World Cup players would receive roughly three weeks off.
Arsenal have expressed interest in signing the midfielder this summer, but Newcastle are adamant he is not for sale, unlike Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon, who were allowed to leave for Tottenham and Barcelona respectively. Guimaraes has two years remaining on his contract and has never indicated any desire to leave, but the club face a decision point: either offer an improved deal or risk him considering an exit.
Newcastle's rebuild plans hinge on Guimaraes
Newcastle see Guimaraes as central to their rebuild, with his experience and quality viewed as vital for nurturing young talents like new signings Ewen Jaouen, Bazoumana Toure, and Sean Steurs, as well as potential target Johan Manzambi, a Switzerland World Cup hero. The club hopes these additions will convince Guimaraes that the project is moving in the right direction.
Speaking in May, Howe outlined the pre-season schedule: "We plan to come back around the 13th of July which is a week longer than normal because of the World Cup. We will go away to Spain in La Manga for around 10 days... The World Cup players will get roughly around three weeks off, depending on when they exit the competition."
Pre-season fixtures and clarity ahead
Newcastle's first team returns to training on Monday, July 13, with friendlies against Darlington, Gateshead, Bristol City, Valencia, Everton, and Bayer Leverkusen before a final match at St James' Park ahead of their Premier League opener against Liverpool on Sunday, August 23. Guimaraes could be available for the Bristol City friendly if he returns on July 27, or at least for the training camp in La Manga before the Valencia clash.
While conversations with agents and officials will occur in the meantime, absolute clarity on Guimaraes' future is expected only when he is back on Tyneside, around Howe, the coaching staff, and his teammates.
