Newcastle United’s focus has quickly shifted from dealing with Bruno Guimaraes’ departure to finding the man who will replace one of the club’s most influential players under new head coach Matthias Jaissle.
While Arsenal’s move for the Brazil international is expected to generate around £75 million, multiple reports suggest Newcastle’s recruitment team has already accelerated plans to bring in an experienced midfielder rather than another long-term project.
According to The i Paper’s Mark Douglas,
Newcastle have spent the last several days working behind the scenes on Bruno’s successor, with a deal already “lined up.”
“They are understood to have already lined up Guimaraes’ replacement – with extensive work done over the last few days as the move to Arsenal progressed – and are hopeful of a breakthrough soon to mitigate the loss of another one of their leading players,” Douglas reported. “Sources have played down links to some of the names that have emerged in recent days, raising the possibility that another mystery deal is close to completion.”
Douglas added that Newcastle’s next signing is still expected to fit the club’s long-term recruitment model but with a notable difference.
“So far, most of Newcastle’s business has been for players around the age of 20 with ‘high ceilings’…” Douglas wrote. “There is now scope to bring in a more high-profile player to aid Matthias Jaissle’s rebuild. He is still likely to be in the 18-25 age bracket, though.”
The Athletic also seemed to agree with Douglas’ report, confirming that Newcastle’s priorities have evolved following Bruno’s exit, with experience now becoming a key factor.
“There is admiration for Victor Froholdt, the Denmark midfielder, though Porto’s asking price may be prohibitive,” The Athletic wrote. “Newcastle have also admired Angelo Stiller’s ability to dictate the tempo of matches at Stuttgart, and France midfielder Manu Kone, from Roma, was floated earlier in the window. The latter two names more fit the profile of player it is being suggested Newcastle may pursue, with the need for ‘experience’ actively being cited internally.”
Chronicle Live, meanwhile, pointed toward similar candidates while suggesting Matthias Jaissle’s familiarity with one target could become significant and land said player in Newcastle.
“They’re unlikely to want to spend all the money they’ll receive from Arsenal on one player due to financial rules, but there has been talk of Jaissle targeting Luka Sucic, who he worked with at RB Salzburg,” Chronicle Live reported. “Susic and Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller could be ones to watch.”
Beyond replacing Bruno, Newcastle’s rebuild is expected to continue elsewhere in the squad, with The Athletic reporting the club still wants to (and surely needs to prioritize) strengthen at full-back and could also pursue another attacking player before the transfer window closes.
Which midfielder would you like to see Newcastle sign to replace Bruno Guimaraes? Who do you think might be the man “lined up” to join the Magpies? Let us know about that and why in the Coming Home Newcastle comments section below!
