Newcastle midfielder Joelinton says Bruno Guimaraes is likely to remain at St James’ Park next season.
There has been constant speculation about the Brazilian international’s future, some of it fueled by his own comments earlier this year but, speaking in an interview with The Guardian, Joelinton expressed confidence that his teammate will stay:
“I think Bruno’s going to stay. He tells me he’s going to come back next week [from a post-Copa America break] and get ready for the season. I know him, he loves the club. He loves the fans, he enjoys his life in Newcastle. I think he’s glad to be there for his life as well as for football.”
Guimaraes did have a £100m release clause in his contract but no club triggered it before it expired in the final week of June.
2 Premier League clubs had targeted the Newcastle star
Both Manchester City and Arsenal were weighing up moves for Guimaraes but the cost of the transfer seemingly put them off from formalising their interest.
With four years left on the 26-year-old’s contract and no release clause active, it puts the Magpies in a very strong position to keep one of their most important players for the long term.
Howe’s future could still influence Guimaraes
It was reported earlier this week that the uncertainty surrounding manager Eddie Howe could impact the midfielder’s decision to stay or leave Newcastle.
Howe is one of the favourites for the England job and, if he were to depart and take up the role with the Three Lions, certain players (including Guimaraes) may question their futures. For now, though, that is a completely hypothetical scenario.
Based on what Joelinton says, his fellow Brazilian is more than happy to continue his career in the North East.
