Former Man Utd man tips Newcastle United transfer exit

Former Manchester United and Everton star Louis Saha believes Newcastle United face a major battle to retain the services of Bruno Guimaraes.

The Brazil international has become an integral figure within Eddie Howe's squad since joining the Magpies from Liege 1 club Lyon in a £40m deal during the January 2022 transfer window. Guimaraes was part of a transformative period at St. James' Park as United’s PIF-led owners made the most of their first transfer window to strengthen the squad for what would become a successful battle against relegation from the Premier League.

After easing into life in England by scoring five goals and providing one assist in his first 17 appearances for Newcastle, Guimaraes enjoyed a stunning first full season on Tyneside, helping the Magpies secure a return to the Champions League and reach their first major cup final in 24 years.

The 26-year-old has continued to be linked with a move away from Newcastle, despite putting pen-to-paper on a new deal in October that has committed him to the Magpies until the summer of 2028. A reported release clause of £100m has sparked suggestions the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and PSG are all keen to tempt the Brazilian midfielder away - and former Sunderland striker Saha is not surprised he has admirers at the top table of European football.

He told Paddy Power: “I used to follow Bruno Guimarães when he was in France – I can understand why a lot of teams, not only in the Premier League, are looking at him. He is a player with energy, aggressiveness and very strong. 

 “I love his attitude and skills; he gets himself in really good spots. He is consistent – he knows how to gel the team together and has been vital in helping other players to understand their role in the team. I don’t think that he will stay at Newcastle for too long because a lot of teams will look at ways they can get him in their squad. Every team needs a central midfielder of his type – he’s a number 10, number 8 and number 6, I don’t know how he does it.”