Eddie Howe was quick to praise one sensational Newcastle United star for his efforts in the last two seasons.
It is fair to say that the majority of the 47-year-old’s transfer decisions have been spot on. The likes of Sandro Tonali, Dan Burn and Nick Pope have all gone to be successful on Tyneside, no matter how expensive or insignificant.
Newcastle United have made four more additions so far this summer. However, Nick Woltemade’s impending announcement on a club record fee will take the tally to five.
The 23-year-old had his medical and was spotted inside St James’ Park before his official unveiling. In the meantime, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has been tending to his current players ahead of a Premier League clash against Leeds United. The Magpies travel to Elland Road in the hope that they can pick up their first win of the season.
Joelinton will not be available after his groin issue against Liverpool, while Sandro Tonali should be fit enough after his shoulder issue. Elsewhere, there is no doubt that Bruno Guimaraes will line up in midfield against Leeds. In his latest press conference, Howe had some very positive words for the Brazilian.
Bruno Guimaraes celebrates after scoring in a Premier League game between Newcastle United and Liverpool.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Eddie Howe says Bruno Guimaraes’ game has elevated in the last 12 months
Since signing in 2022, Guimaraes has shown what it means to wear the Newcastle badge with pride. The 27-year-old has been a sensational addition to Howe’s squad for years, with his talent evident from the minute he stepped onto the pitch to make his debut three-and-a-half years ago.
In 2024, Howe made Guimaraes Newcastle captain, an honour he has taken with both hands. In his first season as captain, Guimaraes delivered the Carabao Cup for Newcastle, ending a 70-year wait for a domestic trophy.
Guimaraes lifted the cup with Kieran Trippier and Jamaal Lascelles, the two players he succeeded as captain. While he has been sensational for the majority of his Newcastle career, Guimaraes may have put in his best-ever performance against Liverpool, despite the heartbreaking loss.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
The topic of the captain came up during Howe’s press conference, to which the Newcastle boss said: “I trust him implicitly. From the moment he signed, he was emotionally engaged. He was a Geordie – an adopted Geordie. He represents everything the fans want to see.
“He was ready for the captaincy. It’s taken him to another level.”
🇧🇷 Eddie Howe on Bruno Guimarares:
💬 “I trust him implicitly. From the moment he signed, he was emotionally engaged. He was a Geordie – an adopted Geordie. He represents everything the fans want to see.
“He was ready for the captaincy. It’s taken him to another level.” #NUFC pic.twitter.com/WyqRHcHyFS
— Andy Sixsmith (@andysixsmithtv) August 29, 2025
View Tweet
Bruno Guimaraes has set an example everyone must follow at Newcastle United
Guimaraes will not only go down as one of Newcastle’s best club captains ever, but one of the Magpies’ best players ever. His influence on the team over the three years since he signed has been immense, and one could argue that Newcastle may not have enjoyed as much success without him.
Even before he was captain, Guimaraes always wore his heart on his sleeve and left it all out on the field in every game he was a part of. Now as captain, Guimaraes has set the bar even higher for anyone who comes to the club.
Alexander Isak should take note of Guimaraes’ passion and dedication to the black and white stripes. They are a model player and a model leader who deserves to be the club captain.
With Isak on strike from Newcastle, any young footballer or new signing should look to Guimaraes to learn what it is like to play for a club as historic and passionate as the Magpies.