Newcastle United won the Carabao Cup and qualified for the Champions League last season - and Bruno Guimaraes wants more St James’ Park success.
Bruno Guimaraes reportedly snubbed a big-money approach from Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad earlier this year.
Brazilian outlet UOL claims Al-Ittihad - owned by the Public Investment Fund - spoke to the player’s agent. However, it soon became clear that Guimaraes has no intention of leaving Newcastle United this summer.
The 27-year-old was linked with a move away 12 months ago after the Magpies narrowly missed out on European qualification. A recently signed contract had a £100million release clause for a limited time.
Bruno Guimaraes committed to Newcastle United
Guimares stayed and led Newcastle to the Carabao Cup - the club’s first domestic trophy for 70 years. Securing a Champions League spot on the final day also gives the midfielder no desire to leave.
The report suggests competing for a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad next year also made a Saudi Pro League move unlikely. Carlo Ancelotti recently became the South American’s first foreign coach as they aim to end a 24-year wait without being crowned world champions.
Newcastle United squad deemed ‘short’
Speaking after the final-day defeat to Everton, Guimaraes urged the St James’ Park hierarchy to sign players to alleviate the added fixture demands. He said: "We are not the level that I want. I think for next season we are going to need more players to be honest with you. I think the squad is a little bit short.
“We have seen last season we played Champions League that we lost some players through injury and had players missing for us. We have improved our level. But next year is another competition for us. We need to work hard after the holiday, but we need to improve."
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Surely PIF wouldn’t do this?
Newcastle have been wary of not doing any business with Saudi Arabian clubs. Allan Saint-Maximin’s sale two years ago is the only transfer that has taken place between the Magpies and PIF-owned entities.
Even then, despite him leaving for just £23million, this raised a debate about multi-party ownership and associated transactions. Meanwhile, Premier League outfits have taken advantage of the Saudi Pro League gravy train, with over-the-hill players leaving for inflated prices.
PIF signing Guimaraes - one of Newcastle’s blue-chip stars - for a Pro League club would raise questions about their long-term commitment. To their credit, Toon chiefs have always been clear that they want to keep high-profile stars on Tyneside.
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