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Rumours abound that Newcastle United’s captain, Bruno Guimarães, will be the next big name player to leave St James’ Park.
The club’s supporters will be somewhat perplexed about losing another one of their stars, given that Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali have already been sold this summer, especially after they would have thought that any financial concerns should have been addressed by the record sale of Alexander Isak to Liverpool last September.
It was not meant to be this way when Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) acquired Newcastle United in October 2021. Indeed, the purchase of Guimarães in January 2022 was seen as a sign of intent, following the many years of austerity under Mike Ashley.
Many have pointed the finger of blame towards football’s financial regulations, which have undoubtedly presented the Geordies with some challenges in the past, but is that really the case this time?
After the paywall, this article will look at Newcastle’s position relating to financial regulations, based on the latest available 2024/25 accounts:
* Premier League
* Profitability and Sustainability Regulations (PSR)
* Squad Cost Ratio (SCR)
* UEFA
* Football Earnings rule
* Squad Cost rule
* Sanctions
* Settlement agreement
Of course, that was all in the past, so we shall then estimate Newcastle’s ability to comply with financial regulations after last season.
As the 2025/26 accounts will not be published for many months, this requires the preparation of a forecast for last season, which I shall explain in some detail, including the impact of the timing of the Anthony Gordon sale to Barcelona.
We shall also prepare a forecast for 2026/27 to understand the impact of Newcastle’s business this summer, which will highlight whether or not they need to make more money by selling Guimarães.
Finally, we take a look at the various other reasons why the Brazilian midfielder might leave, both from the perspective of the player and the club.