Newcastle United legend Chris Waddle believes Bruno Guimaraes is taking a risk by leaving St James' Park, insisting that Eddie Howe will have exciting deals lined up on Tyneside. The Magpies insisted this week that the Brazil international was "not for sale" after intermediaries were told to enquire about Newcastle's asking price.
Newcastle's Summer Transfer Plans
Howe missed out on Osasuna star Victor Munoz, who opted for Liverpool, but is looking to bring in a right-back, right-sided attacker and a senior goalkeeper in his bid to get Newcastle back into Champions League contention for the 2026/27 season. Waddle told Andy's Bet Club: "If Bruno Guimaraes leaves Newcastle for a club like Arsenal or Manchester United then he's a player lacking in real ambition given what Eddie Howe has planned this summer."
Waddle's Warning to Guimaraes
Waddle, who left Newcastle for Spurs in 1985 when the Magpies lacked ambition, feels that Bruno will want to see club owners PIF demonstrate they are serious about winning next season. Waddle said: "Players linked with a move away from Newcastle will be looking at who's coming in. Wanting to be in the Champions League is a bit of a cliche in football now, isn't it? They want to see who's coming in and that the club is pushing for the top four again."
Four-Player Clear-Out to Fund Reinvestment
Waddle feels that Newcastle could sell Yoane Wissa, Nick Woltemade and Anthony Elanga to drum up funds. If that money is reinvested into Howe's squad, it could see star names arrive at St James' Park. That could kill any deal for Guimaraes to move to Arsenal, with the club then under no pressure to sell the midfielder providing he does not want to leave. Back in March, Toon CEO David Hopkinson did not rule out marquee signings this summer, with James Trafford and Jarrod Bowen linked with a move to the North-East.
Waddle said: "Let's be honest, there is going to be a lot of change. If you're looking to get rid of Wissa, Woltemade, or Elanga – plus whoever else – that's three or four players you're moving on. That means you've got to bring in four or five replacements. They've just lost Anthony Gordon, and they haven't replaced him yet. There is going to be a lot of activity at Newcastle United over the next three or four weeks with players coming in and out, and we could essentially see a completely new team. I feel for the fans who go home and away every week, they need to know what is going on and why players are leaving."
Waddle added: "Some will leave because things haven't worked out for them at Newcastle, and while some fans might think 'get rid of them,' they don't want to lose their best players. Sometimes, if a player speaks out to explain the situation, it helps the fans understand, and it helps them look forward to the season."
