Eddie Howe has emphatically dismissed any suggestions that Bruno Guimaraes was bidding farewell to Newcastle United fans following their triumphant victory over Brentford. The midfielder, who has drawn significant interest from top clubs such as Arsenal and Manchester City, played a pivotal role in the match, which saw Newcastle end their Premier League season with an impressive 4-2 win in London. Guimaraes’ performance was nothing short of stellar, as he not only provided two assists but also scored a goal himself.
At the conclusion of the game, the Brazilian midfielder was observed waving and making gestures toward the Newcastle supporters. His demeanor appeared somewhat emotional, leading to speculation that he might be preparing to leave the club. This speculation is fueled by the fact that Guimaraes has a £100 million release clause in his contract, which could potentially be activated in the upcoming transfer window. Reports suggest that both Manchester City and Arsenal are considering moves to acquire his services.
However, Eddie Howe, Newcastle’s manager, has urged fans to refrain from reading too much into Guimaraes’ actions. Howe expressed his hope that the talented midfielder will remain with the team next season. Addressing the gesture, 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, Newcastle striker Alexander Isak has also been at the center of transfer rumors. Howe acknowledged the speculation surrounding both players, emphasizing their importance to the team. He commented, “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 and looking ahead, Guimaraes took to Instagram to share his thoughts. He posted, “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 seemed to hint at his commitment to the team and optimism for the future.
Furthermore, Guimaraes addressed previous criticisms from talkSPORT pundits Danny Murphy and Simon Jordan, who had questioned his athleticism earlier in the year. Following his outstanding performance against Brentford, Guimaraes posted a screenshot of a Sky Sports graphic that highlighted he had covered the most distance of any player in the Premier League this season. He humorously captioned it with “he isn’t athletic” alongside a thumbs-up and laughing emoji, thereby subtly responding to his detractors.
In summary, while there is notable 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. The emotional gestures from Guimaraes at the end of the Brentford match are, according to Howe, a misinterpretation rather than a farewell, underscoring the club’s intention to retain its vital players for the coming seasons.