Former Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor has delivered a scathing assessment of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, claiming the duo will regret leaving St James' Park for London clubs.
Guimaraes Transfer Rated 1/10
Speaking about Guimaraes' £75m move to Arsenal, Taylor told Stadium Astro: "He's made the worst decision. I don't understand why he'd leave Newcastle to go to Arsenal, but he made his decision. I'd give that transfer 1/10."
Tonali, who joined Tottenham Hotspur for £100m, has endured a tough start with two Premier League defeats and no points. Taylor watched Newcastle's 2-0 win at Spurs, where Tonali was cheered off by 3,083 Toon fans after being substituted.
Regret Visible in Tonali's Reaction
Taylor said: "Seeing Tonali's reaction when he came off the pitch, he does not want to be getting subbed. He was a big signing for them, and he wants to stay on. So he will be disappointed with himself because Newcastle nullified him quite well."
The former England Under-21 star, who saw favourites like Demba Ba, Andy Carroll, Yohan Cabaye and Mathieu Debuchy leave during his time at the club, suggested being adored by the Newcastle faithful is not easily replaced.
Warning for St James' Park Return
Taylor added: "He tried too hard and the Newcastle fans gave him hell and the players as well. I'm sure there were a few things said on the pitch with former players getting into as well. He's usually a problem to play against, but against Newcastle he didn't cause any."
He warned that the pair's reception will intensify when they return to St James' Park later in the season. Taylor said: "It's always good and the manager will be saying: 'Let's get into them'. You want to make sure the tackles are going in. You want to upset them and you know their weaknesses."
