Eddie Howe has strongly denied any suggestions that Bruno Guimaraes was saying goodbye to Newcastle United fans following their 4-2 victory over Brentford.
Guimaraes, a key player attracting attention from top clubs like Arsenal and Manchester City, was instrumental in the match, contributing two assists and scoring a goal.
His emotional gestures towards fans after the game sparked speculation about his potential departure, especially since his contract includes a £100 million release clause, reportedly of interest to both Manchester City and Arsenal.
Despite this, Howe has advised fans not to overinterpret Guimaraes’ actions, expressing his hope that the midfielder will stay with Newcastle.
Howe stated, “I don’t think it’s a wave goodbye. Bruno probably does that many times, but it can be interpreted in a way that people watching decide that’s the case.
Certainly from my side, I hope it’s not. He is integral to what we’re doing and is an inspirational player. We’re desperate to keep him.”
In addition to Guimaraes, striker Alexander Isak is also the subject of transfer rumors. Howe highlighted the importance of both players to the team, stating, “They’re two outstanding players.
I’ve said many times this season they can make the difference and have made the difference at numerous times. It’s always about the team and how the team functions.
The team gives them a platform to play well, and their involvement in the goals today was top class but you can’t forget their teammates who helped them.”
Reflecting on his season, Guimaraes posted on Instagram, celebrating the team’s performance and expressing hope for European competition next season.
He wrote, “Finished the season with a memorable match! Three points, two assists, and one goal.
Thank you for the support today, and we hope it’s enough for us to be in Europe next season! Howay the lads.” This message suggests his commitment to the team and optimism for the future.
Furthermore, Guimaraes responded to past criticisms from talkSPORT pundits Danny Murphy and Simon Jordan, who had questioned his athleticism.
After his stellar performance against Brentford, Guimaraes posted a screenshot from Sky Sports showing he covered the most distance in the Premier League this season, humorously captioning it “he isn’t athletic” with a thumbs-up and laughing emoji, subtly addressing his critics.
In summary, while there is significant interest from major clubs in Bruno Guimaraes, Eddie Howe remains hopeful and confident that the midfielder will stay with Newcastle United.
Howe’s focus is on maintaining the team’s integrity and ensuring that key players like Guimaraes and Isak continue to contribute to the club’s success.
According to Howe, Guimaraes’ gestures at the end of the Brentford match were misinterpreted and do not indicate a farewell, highlighting the club’s intent to retain its crucial players for the future.
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