Former Newcastle United and Manchester United striker Louis Saha has warned that losing Bruno Guimaraes could spell trouble for manager Eddie Howe next season, as the Brazilian midfielder's future at St James' Park remains uncertain. Arsenal have reportedly received encouragement that the 27-year-old could be sold at the right price, prompting concerns among fans and pundits alike.
Saha questions deeper problems at Newcastle
Saha, speaking in an interview with LiveFootballTickets, expressed low expectations for the club next season, citing the number of player sales as a worrying trend. He noted that while Newcastle have received large sums for outgoing players like Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon, the club risks becoming a selling club. Saha stated: 'I don’t have high expectations for the club next season at this moment in time. I think the amount of players they are selling is concerning, and should worry Newcastle fans.'
The former striker highlighted that selling players is a two-way street, as the club cannot force players who want to leave to stay and expect good results. However, he questioned why so many players want to leave a club that has competed for trophies and played in the Champions League in recent seasons. 'Maybe the reason is deeper than just what we see on the pitch,' Saha added.
Newcastle's slide down the table
Newcastle finished 12th last season, a significant drop from fifth place and Champions League contention the previous year. Saha expressed concern that the club might struggle to hold their own in the Premier League next term unless they reinvest the money from sales into the squad promptly. He said: 'I think if Newcastle want to improve or even just hold their own in the Premier League next season, then they must invest the money generated from these sales back into the squad as soon as possible. That’ll give the manager some time to gel his squad together, ahead of next season.'
The importance of keeping Bruno Guimaraes
Saha emphasised that keeping Bruno Guimaraes is absolutely pivotal, describing him as Newcastle's best player. He warned that if the midfielder is sold this summer, the club can be considered a selling club. 'He can’t be sold if Newcastle this summer. If he is sold, then we can consider Newcastle a selling club,' Saha said.
Newcastle United have not commented on the speculation surrounding Guimaraes, but the club's hierarchy will be under pressure to retain their star player amid interest from top Premier League sides.
