'Agreement' - Fabrizio Romano drops major news impacting Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes

Guimaraes has been a regular for Brazil since joining Newcastle from Lyon for £40million in January 2022, while Joelinton has in and out of the squad after making his debut in June 2023.

Now the duo face the prospect of impressing a new manager with Brazil poised to announce Dorvial Junior’s successor after the latter was sacked in March following a 4-1 defeat to arch-rivals Argentina.

Carlo Ancelotti set to be named Brazil manager

As per Fabrizio Romano, Carlo Ancelotti is set to leave Real Madrid to become Brazil’s new head coach.

After managing Madrid from 2013 to 2015, Ancelotti returned to Bernabeu in June 2021 to replace Zinedine Zidane. Across his two spells, he has won two La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues - becoming the first manager to win the latter on five different occasions.

However, the Italian has faced scrutiny throughout this campaign, with Madrid trailing Barcelona by four points in the La Liga title race. They were also beaten by Barca in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday and lost the Supercopa de Espana final to Hansi Flick’s side.

Madrid exited the Champions League at the quarter-final stage earlier this month, losing 5-1 to Arsenal on aggregate.

Ancelotti is under contract at Madrid until 2026, however is expected to begin work with Brazil in June, meaning he is unlikely to take charge of the La Liga giants’ Club World Cup campaign. It’s claimed former Liverpool midfielder and current Bayer Leverkusen manager Xavi Alonso is being lined up as Ancelotti’s replacement.

Romano wrote on X: “Carlo Ancelotti and Brazil have reached an agreement in principle for the Italian to become Seleçao head coach for the World Cup 2026. Deal valid from June, NOT after Clubs World Cup. Real Madrid and Ancelotti would part ways nicely with formal steps needed next.

“Brazilian Federation expect Carlo Ancelotti to be on the touchline already on the first week of June representing the Seleçao. It’s always been a key condition for Brazil: sign before the FIFA Club World Cup, not an option to wait until July. Formal steps to follow now.

“Carlo Ancelotti will be among the best paid national team head coaches with deal valid from June 2025. The staff is being discussed with Brazil Federation.”

Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton impacted

Ancelotti looks set to take charge of Brazil’s World Cup qualifier matches against Ecuador and Paraguay at the beginning of June, when both Guimaraes and Joelinton will hope to be named in the squad.

But before that, both players are focused on achieving Champions League qualification with Newcastle, who sit third in the Premier League table with four games left to play.

Eddie Howe’s side head to Brighton and Hove Albion before hosting Chelsea in a potential top-five decider. United then visit Arsenal before Everton are the visitors to St James’ Park on the final day of the season.

Joelinton missed Saturday’s 3-0 win over Ipswich Town with an ongoing knee issue and has gone to visit a specialist, although it is hoped the 28-year-old won’t require a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

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