Newcastle United drop major hint over Bruno Guimaraes' future as new signing unveiled

Our NUFC writer Jordan Cronin provides his five key talking points from a hot and humid evening:

The heat and humidity plays it part

It’s been absolutely sweltering in Tokyo this week. Against Urawa on Wednesday, a downpour of rain in the build-up cooled temperatures but there was no repeat versus Yokohama, and that no doubt had a bearing on the result.

I was sweating just watching it, so goodness knows how the players felt on the pitch.

First-half, Newcastle were arguably the better side but lacked composure in the final third. After the break, a raft of changes and heat contributed to a typical pre-season encounter.

That saying ‘I like it warm but not this warm’ springs to mind.... now back to Tyneside for colder climates!

Lloyd Kelly debut

Eddie Howe made five changes from the 4-1 victory over Urawa Red Diamonds. The return of Fabian Schar and Bruno Guimaraes was welcome sight, and so too was Kelly, who finally made his Newcastle debut at the Japan National Stadium.

The 25-year-old has been fine to train, according to Howe, but it had taken until the fourth official match of pre-season to make an appearance. He partnered Schar at the centre of defence.

Did Kelly come through OK? “I believe so, and I thought he did well,” replied Howe. “Composed debut. I was pleased for him. I was pleased with certain aspects. Certain individuals did very well but team wise today I thought we were off where we have been.”

Howe knows football better than me (of course!!) but I did think the defender looked a tad rusty and that’s no a criticism. Indeed, it is perfectly understandable when you consider Kelly hadn’t played in an 11-aside match since May.

And had this been a Premier League game, then Kelly might have been red carded. A long ball over the top saw Kelly bring down the Yokohama attacker before the referee pulled out a yellow. It’s one of those that VAR will have at least taken a second look at.

Captain Bruno

It suits him, doesn’t it? Bruno Guimaraes more than looked the part as he wore the captain’s armband at the Japan National Stadium.

The loss of Matt Ritchie from the player’s ‘leadership group’, which also features Jamaal Lascelles, Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn and Callum Wilson, has left Newcastle with a spot to fill ahead of the new campaign.

Could this be confirmation that Bruno will be the man to step up? I think so, and if not, the squad have missed a trick. The Brazilian consistently leads by example on the pitch and his infectious personality is there for all to see.

It’s those little gestures that could go a long way to keeping the 26-year-old at the football club for a little while longer.

Trevan Sanusi impresses... again

Guimaraes was Newcastle’s best player in the first-half before Trevan Sanusi earned that title in the second.

The 17-year-old, who signed his first professional contract in May, has been brought on as a substitute in games against Hull City, Urawa and Yokohama.

As United trailed 2-0 on Saturday, Sanusi looked United’s best bet of getting back into the game. Despite his tender age, the tricky winger has looked a player determined to impress. And that he has.

Sanusi was withdrawn in the closing stages following a knock to the knee, not that he wanted to depart mind.

“That was my decision,” said Howe. “He was keen to carry on but in pre-season if anyone feels anything… it was a strange one as it was on top of his knee cap so I took him off as a precaution.”

The former Liverpool and Manchester United transfer target may get his St James’ Park bow next weekend when Girona and Stade Brestois visit St James’ Park. Whatever happens, this won’t be the last Newcastle see of Sanusi.

“He’s definitely got talent,” said Howe earlier this week. “He’s very clever with the ball, he’s got lots of tricks in his bank that he can pull out from time to time.

“I’m excited by him, I think he’s got the basics of a really good framework to build from and it’s going to be up to us and him to develop those skills and talents.

“Certainly the Premier League is a totally different beast physically and that’s something he’s going to have to continuously work on but for someone so young I think he’s made a good impression.”

Summer signing number five close?

Newcastle transfer talk has ramped up the last 48 hours with Sheffield United forward Will Osula close to joining, while talks have taken place with Crystal Palace over Marc Guehi.

That’s our information anyway, not that Howe confirmed anything. Though he never does until it’s officially sealed.

“Our efforts in the transfer market are ongoing,” said Howe. “I’m out of touch with all of those movements but I know we are trying. Hopefully we can bring you news soon. I’m not going to talk individually on deals.”

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