Newcastle United star contract ‘clarity’ amid bizarre exit claims

Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes’ new deal at St James’ Park has been subject to speculation since the moment he put pen to paper.

The Brazilian signed a new deal with the Magpies until 2028 last week, a move which reportedly sees the 25-year-old become the highest paid player in the club’s history.

However, that hasn’t stopped speculation about his exit, even though the ink is barely dry on his current terms.

The Barca clause

Reports over the weekend, emanating from South America, suggest there is a clause in Bruno’s Magpies deal that would allow him to leave the club for a remarkably low sum. The clause, according to the reports, could be triggered by Barcelona, allowing Guimaraes to leave for less than £60million.

Those suggestions have been quashed, though, by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. Although the Italian does state a clause exists as part of the deal.

He said: “Understand there’s no specific release clause for Barcelona or any specific club into Bruno Guimarães new deal at Newcastle. The only clause is valid for all the clubs and it’s £100m, as revealed in September. No other clauses, sources confirm.”

Guimaraes talks about his new NUFC deal

He said: “I’m absolutely delighted. The fans have made me feel at home since my first day here and I feel so loved in my life.

“I’m so happy here. It’s a place that is so comfortable to be and I hope to keep making the supporters happy and helping the team do well. That’s my goal, because there are no words to describe how happy I am to be here.

“I remember in my first interview, I said I wanted to play for this club in the Champions League and now it’s happening. We are doing so well and when I look around the pitch at my team-mates, I am so proud of them all. I’m proud of everyone; the team, the staff, the owners and the fans.

“The city believes again and it’s unbelievable what we have done for the team. I hope that this can continue. It’s amazing what has happened in my life in the last two years.”

‘He epitomises the recent success’

Head coach Eddie Howe said: “I’m delighted to get Bruno signed and committed to the long-term future of the football club. He’s such an important player and he’s done so well since he joined the club. He’s been a huge success since he’s been here so I just hope that he can continue in that vein and carry on his success with us.

“I think he epitomises the recent success we’ve had. He’s put in so many good displays, he’s very consistent and he’s got a great personality off the pitch as well.

“He cares very deeply about Newcastle United and the success of the club and he’s got a great relationship with our supporters.

“He’s been a key signing for us – definitely the type of signing that we want to make.”