It is believed that Nick Woltemade climbed very high on the Newcastle United top earners chart when he signed from Stuttgart for £69m - but others, including newcomers, will want a similar package
Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes
Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Images)
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Bruno Guimaraes' contract discussions will not boil down to the club captain being the top earner at St James' Park.
In a week that has resulted in Bruno being heavily linked with Manchester United after leaks from the Old Trafford end suggested that transfer chief Jason Wilcox had held conversations with Bruno's camp, the midfielder was described as "totally committed" to the project at Newcastle.
It is thought that Bruno and his representatives are only keen to discuss a deal that suits their client, and he will negotiate on his own terms, suggesting that becoming the highest-paid player won't be a motivation during talks.
But Bruno's arrangement remains the same as it has been since 2023, when he signed his last extension. That still has two years left to run, but he could jet off to the World Cup without signing a new deal.
Chronicle Live understands that since that deal was agreed, new signings, such as Nick Woltemade, have arrived and surpassed some of the current stars in terms of salary. It remains to be seen whether any new deal for Bruno's or any enhanced contract offers for other stars, like Anthony Gordon or Sandro Tonali, for example, would earn them the top earner slot.
The big threat for Newcastle is that failure to get to Europe next season could lead to players wanting to leave. It's why head coach Eddie Howe is trying to keep his squad motivated for the last eight matches and ensure that European football is still delivered one way or another.
Hansi Flick gesture to Nick Woltemade
Woltemade may not have kicked a ball in Barcelona, but his name kept creeping into the conversation during an emotional roller-coaster of a week.
The Germany international was praised by the Barca boss, who also told him to ignore critics who keep bringing up his £69m price tag. Flick said: "His price tag is not his fault. He should play with confidence. It is like that."
Flick also said: "Nick is good for the national team. I wish Nick all the best, maybe not for this game, but after this game!"
As soon as the game had finished at the Nou Camp, Flick, Germany's World Cup 2022 manager, made a beeline towards Woltemade to give him a hug and live up to his promise of wishing him all the best.
Lewis Miley return date edges closer
What started as a dead leg for teenage star Lewis Miley is turning into three month lay off.
The Stanley lad won't be involved in the Tyne-Wear derby, but after recovering from a thigh injury, Miley is expected to step up his rehab after what proved to be a longstanding thigh problem.
Speaking at his weekly Press briefing at the club's media centre, Howe said: "It will be after the internationals for Lewy. We anticipate he'll be back, hopefully, after the break."
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