Newcastle player sends leadership message to Eddie Howe amid Kieran Trippier exit fears

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Newcastle United’s leadership group could look very different this season.

There has already been one major change, with Matt Ritchie leaving Newcastle United. While he was not a regular player, he was an influential figure behind the scenes and very much part of Eddie Howe’s leadership group at St James’ Park.

But the 34-year-old left this summer when his contract expired, with Ritchie still waiting to sign on the dotted line with a new club.

Elsewhere, the futures of Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson are uncertain. Both players are in the final years of their contracts, with Trippier considered likely to leave Newcastle. Wilson’s situation seems less straightforward, and the arrival of Will Osula suggests that Wilson is staying at St James’ Park.

But at least one of that duo could be sold, which would mean Eddie Howe losing another leader ahead of the 2024/25 season.

The squad dynamics are really changing, and Howe needs other players step up. Fortunately, that is exactly what Bruno Guimaraes wants to do.

Bruno Guimaraes honoured to captain Newcastle United

The 26-year-old wore the captain’s armband on Saturday as Newcastle lost to Yokohama F Marinos in Tokyo.

While it was a disappointing performance from the Magpies, Bruno was honoured to captain the side from the start for the first time.

The midfielder wrote about his experience as captain for Newcastle’s official website, and admitted that he now wants to be more of a ‘leader’.

“I still need to improve physically and technically but I’d missed the feeling of playing and tonight it was very special to captain the club I love so much,” he wrote.

“I captained the team against Tottenham in Australia too, but this game was my first start as a captain. Everyone knows what the club means to me, so I will keep this match forever in my mind.

“I want to be a leader in the group and give even more for the club than before, because they’ve given me so much. I just want the club to be as big as possible, and to help however I can.”

Bruno can emerge as a new leader for Newcastle

It was great to see Bruno lead out Newcastle United on Saturday. It is fair to say that the captain’s armband suited him!

After the game, Bruno committed himself to the club by declaring how happy he is ahead of the new season.

That is excellent news, and it could be a season that sees Bruno captain Newcastle in competitive games.

When Jamaal Lascelles is unavailable, the armband usually goes to Trippier. But he could be on his way out of the club, which would then mean that Dan Burn is captain.

Burn looks likely to begin the season in the starting XI, but his place is not guaranteed. In contrast, Bruno is going to be a guaranteed starter, and could be in line to captain the team if Trippier is sold and Burn does not start.

It is a tremendous opportunity for the Brazilian, after a summer of speculation over his future. But Bruno has made it clear he wants to be on Tyneside, and he wants his influence to grow.