According to reports in Spain, Real Madrid want to sign Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle.
AS claim that the La Liga giants are looking to bring the 24-year-old to the Bernabeu after the 2022 World Cup. They’re looking to revolutionise their midfield, replacing their ageing stars with younger talent.
They signed Eduardo Camavinga last summer, and now Bruno is reportedly on their radar.
The fact he’s being linked with a club as big as Real Madrid speaks volumes about the incredible deal Newcastle did in January.
However, it should also serve as a warning to the Magpies.
Newcastle need to match Bruno Guimaraes
Bruno arrived at St James’ Park as a Brazil international with experience in the Champions League. He joined a team fighting to avoid relegation.
The Magpies have all but done that now, and can look forward to another season in the top flight.
Bruno has played a key role in Newcastle’s resurgence, particularly in recent weeks. Since settling into Eddie Howe’s midfield, the £42million man has become pivotal to the Toon’s success.
Only Kieran Trippier could challenge him for the honour of being the best player at the club. But Bruno has youth on his side, and will want to be playing at the top as he reaches the peak years of his career.
Ideally, he’ll be spending his peak years at St James’ Park. But to do that, we need a team that can match his ability. We need to be challenging higher up the table, and eventually qualifying for Europe.
That’s obviously the ambitions of the owners, but it’s easier said than done.
But the interest in Bruno from Real Madrid should serve as a warning to Newcastle. We are incredibly lucky to have a player like him, and the only way we’re going to keep him is if we’re playing at a level that matches his ability.
He should be challenging for honours. He should be playing in the Champions League. And if he isn’t going to get that at Newcastle, he may eventually have to go elsewhere.
Talk of Bruno leaving Newcastle already seems premature. But the rumours will serve as a reminder that they aren’t guaranteed to hold on to these new stars if they can’t match their ambitions.