How Newcastle can replace Bruno Guimaraes

The Saudi PIF takeover of Newcastle United back in 2022 was the start of a new era for the supporters after years of discontent under former owner Mike Ashley.

Promises of new training grounds, stadiums and expensive new additions immediately got the fanbase onside, but it’s safe to say it’s not worked out as planned in the present day.

Eddie Howe’s men have often suffered as a result of their ambition in the transfer market, subsequently having to sell key players to their rivals in the Premier League.

Elliot Anderson, Alexander Isak and Sandro Tonali are just three players who have left to join other clubs in England’s top-flight – often leaving the Magpies without quality in key areas of the pitch.

However, despite the latter already joining Tottenham Hotspur this summer, the club may have to prepare for life without another leading star on Tyneside.

The impact of Bruno Guimarães leaving Newcastle this summer

Over the last couple of weeks, Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimarães has been the latest player touted with a move away from St James’ Park this summer.

The Brazilian has also stated his desire to move on to pastures new ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, after Arsenal made an opening offer to land the 28-year-old.

It’s unclear if the hierarchy will be willing to let another key first-team member depart Tyneside this summer, but losing the club captain would be a bitter blow to Howe’s plans.

Guimarães’ tally of 14 combined goals and assists in the Premier League last term was the highest of any player in the Magpies squad – highlighting his importance to the senior ranks.

He also created the most chances of any player in Howe’s senior squad last term (45), whilst playing the third most minutes in the Premier League (2455).

Even without the ball, the Brazilian was influential to the Magpies, subsequently making more tackles than any other player on the books, whilst making the most ball recoveries of any outfield player.

After the sales of Gordon and Tonali this summer, losing Guimaraes would be the biggest blow of all – with such a player arguably irreplaceable if the club are to challenge for Europe once more next term.

Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes replacement could cost £35m

Given his importance to Newcastle last season, it would be a surprise to see the hierarchy greenlight a move for Guimaraes to depart St James’ Park this summer.

However, a bit like with Isak last summer, if the player wants to leave for a new challenge, they may be forced to cash in whilst the player’s stock is at its highest.

Replacing a player of the Brazilian’s quality would undoubtedly prove to be a massive challenge, but the recruitment team have already started drawing up a list of potential transfer targets.

The Athletic have reported on the Magpies’ hunt for added midfield options and have stated that Botafogo star Danilo is just one player who’s appeared on their radar.

Their report states that internal discussions have been held on Tyneside over the possibility of securing a move for the 25-year-old during the current window.

Arsenal and Manchester United are just two other clubs in the hunt to secure the Brazilian’s signature, with a £35m fee mooted to prise him away from his homeland outfit.

Such a link may be underwhelming to many Newcastle supporters, but his stats from the most recent campaign in Brazil’s top-flight highlight his similarity to Guimarães.

The former Nottingham Forest star registered a staggering tally of seven goals and two assists in just 12 Serie A outings towards the back end of the 2025/26 campaign.

Such a tally highlights his phenomenal ability within the final third of the pitch – something which his compatriot managed in abundance in the Premier League last term.

Danilo also managed to dictate the play from his deep-lying position, subsequently creating an impressive tally of 1.9 chances created for his teammates per 90.

The aforementioned figure places him above 90% of other midfielders in South America – which showcases his superb ability to provide opportunities for those ahead of him.

However, like Guimaraes, the Brazilian also managed to demonstrate his quality without the ball – as seen by his tally of 5.2 ball recoveries made per 90.

Such a number, coupled with his tally of 1.3 tackles made and 5.2 defensive contributions per 90, only reaffirm his box-to-box nature – which could make him the perfect Guimaraes replacement this summer.

Losing the Brazilian would be a catastrophic blow for Howe and the Magpies, but as the window continues, the possibility of him leaving will only increase further.

However, a move for compatriot Danilo could offer Newcastle the perfect opportunity to land their next version of the midfield star ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.