Newcastle United are uninterested in selling Bruno Guimaraes amid strong interest from Real Madrid, says the Magpies’ director of football Dan Ashworth.
In an interview relayed by Daily Mirror, Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth has stated that the Magpies are not planning to cash in on Bruno Guimaraes, despite interest from Real Madrid. However, Ashworth has left the door open for a big-money bid, which could force them to consider selling their superstars to rebuild in the long run and finance their title ambitions.
Bruno Guimaraes was Newcastle’s headline grabber signing in their first transfer window under the new regime. The Brazilian was highly sought-after across the continent throughout his time at Lyon, and his reputation has only soared since moving to St. James’ Park for a fee of £40 million in January.
Eddie Howe’s side were stuck in the Premier League drop zone at the time, but they finished 11th last season and are now up to sixth. Five goals in the second half of last season has been complemented by three direct goal involvements in his first six Premier League games this campaign.
But it would be foolish to mention him as a goalscoring midfielder; he leads the Magpies in tackles and ranks second in recoveries, key passes, and successful dribbles. Not to mention, Bruno Guimaraes is a cultured passer of the ball and dazzles St. James’ Park with his mesmerising close control, flicks, tricks, and swagger on the pitch.
The Brazilian delivered yet another all-round masterclass in Newcastle’s 5-1 victory over Brentford last weekend. Needless to say, his stellar performances have not gone unnoticed on the continent, with none other than Spanish giants Real Madrid expressing their interest in him following the sudden departure of Casemiro to Manchester United.
The Spanish giants, however, did not sign anyone having already brought in Aurelien Tchouameni from AS Monaco for £85 million earlier in the summer. Guimaraes himself confirmed that he held talks with 14-time European champions during the summer. But the Newcastle United midfielder is content to stay at St. James’ Park, which he feels will be “one of the best projects in the world.”
Guimaraes certainly fits the bill for the Merengues, especially after he has now shown his versatility to operate in the No. 8 role. Despite bolstering their midfield with the acquisitions of Eduardo Camavinga and Tchouameni, Real Madrid would do well by beefing up the engine room further.
Toni Kroos’s current contract at Santiago Bernabeu expires in the summer of 2023 and, the talks have stalled over contract length, with the German asking for more than a one-year extension, while legend Luka Modric, 37, is in a similar situation.
Newcastle, for their part, are clear on their stance about keeping hold of Bruno Guimaraes, who is the face of their ongoing project. The 24-year-old has three-and-a-half years left on his current contract, and is loving life on Tyneside. But he has made it clear he expects European football soon.
So, even if he outgrows the rapid pace of Newcastle’s project, the Magpies are in a good position to hold the upper hand in any possible discussions with Real Madrid or any other European giant. As things stand, Newcastle are planning to hold talks over a new long-term deal on improved terms with the Brazilian.
