Newcastle United handed huge contract boost ahead of ‘must-win’ Sheffield United clash

Newcastle United are now putting the final touches on their preparations for a clash with Sheffield United.

The Magpies have picked up some form over the last week or so, beating Brentford in the Premier League before drawing with AC Milan away from home in the Champions League. Those results followed a disappointing start to the new season, but a win on Sunday would make it consecutive league wins, and that would be a big confidence boost for Howe’s men.

In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding St James’ Park.

Guimaraes contract boost

Newcastle are said to have agreed a new contract with star man Bruno Guimaraes, although the deal reportedly includes a release clause.

“Newcastle agree new deal with Bruno Guimaraes, here we go! It’s done — contract until June 2028,” Fabrizio Romano wrote on X. “Key detail: understand the new deal will include release clause and it will be in the region of £100m. Bruno, so happy to extend as he loves the club.”

The deal is a huge boost for Newcastle, with Guimaraes a key part of Howe’s plans having impressed since his arrival.

Merson prediction

Paul Merson is backing a Newcastle win this weekend, dubbing the clash a ‘must-win’.

“I feel this is a must-win for Newcastle, while for Sheffield, this is a ‘must get something’ kind of game,” he said. “The Magpies were fortunate not to lose against AC Milan on their UEFA Champions League return and have been nowhere close to what they were last season.

“In my opinion, they are already out of the title race and could face an uphill battle to secure a top-four spot if they don’t string together a run of wins. Sheffield, meanwhile, are already up against it and have already lost a handful of winnable games. I think it’ll get worse for them this weekend as Newcastle have enough pace and quality to hurt them.”