Bruno Guimaraes rang the first alarm bell on his Newcastle United future over 12 months ago.
Just over 12 months ago, as Newcastle United basked in Champions League qualification and Carabao Cup silverware, Bruno Guimaraes sent his first warning to the St James’ Park hierarchy.
Since then, Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali have gone. The Magpies slumped to a 12th-placed finish in the Premier League. And as for any update on the stadium or training ground developments, the players and fans remain in limbo.
“We have been improving a lot, but I think we are not at the level that I want,” Guimaraes claimed after a 1-0 defeat to Everton proved just enough to clinch Champions League football. I think for next season, we’re going to need more players to be honest with you, because this squad is a little bit short.
“We have seen last season (2023-24) when we played Champions League, we lost some players to injury and it was messy for us. So I think we can improve the level of our squad.”
It is perhaps no surprise that, a few months before his 29th birthday, Guimaraes believes his career would be better served elsewhere. The Brazilian has signalled to the Toon hierarchy that he is interested in an Arsenal move.
For now, the two clubs are wide apart in terms of valuation. But as was learned from the Isak saga last summer, agents run football. Contracts matter little. If a player wants out, it is often very difficult to convince him otherwise…
Guimaraes sounded the first alarm bell last May. While the Magpies can bemoan PSR - that certainly applies for wages - they must shoulder an element of blame.
The buzz around the Saudi-backed project was the reason Newcastle could attract Guimaraes, Isak, Tonali, Gordon and Co in the first place. An evident stagnation is why they all wanted to leave.
As recently as last month, Guimaraes discussed his happiness on Tyneside. One has to wonder what has happened since for him to make such a dramatic volte-face.
"A lot has changed in these four years,” he told the baying Brazilian press pack. “To be honest, it feels like 10 years have passed in four. In my personal life I’m a father of two, I’m married and, in my professional life, we’ve raised Newcastle United’s level.
“I’ve become one of the club’s biggest idols. I’ve matured a lot. I am very happy, I’m much more experienced. I think I was very hard on myself four years ago with things that don’t bother me anymore. So I feel like I’m in a very good place.”
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