Newcastle United had three standout players this season – Bruno Guimaraes, Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.
They were all superstars in black and white, and you could make a case for any of them being Newcastle United’s best player during the 2023/24 campaign.
As is always the case when you are not a ‘big six’ club, any player who performs well is linked with a move away. Bruno Guimaraes is a target for the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal, while the Gunners have also been keen on Alexander Isak. As for Anthony Gordon, he has been linked with a nonsensical move to Liverpool.
In a perfect world, Eddie Howe will keep all three of them at St James’ Park. He has already warned how damaging it will be if Newcastle lose one of their top stars, but that will not stop the rumour mill.
Shaka Hislop thinks Newcastle fans would rather keep Bruno Guimaraes
Nor will it stop people debating where Newcastle United’s best players could end up.
That is what has been happening on the ESPN YouTube channel, where they have discussed Bruno’s Toon future amid interest from Man City and Arsenal.
Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has given his thoughts on how important the Brazilian midfielder is, suggesting Toon fans would rather sell Isak and Gordon if it meant keeping Bruno.
“Of the three you mentioned, I think if Newcastle fans had a choice of keeping one and losing two, they would keep Bruno Guimaraes for a number of reasons,” he said.
“His performances really have been that good for Newcastle United, and also after Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes was the second signing when they were there down near the bottom and all of a sudden, that rejuvenated the football club. So, there’s an emotional tie to Bruno Guimaraes as well.
“The other two in the market, you feel you can get goalscorers, you can get pacey wingers, but Bruno Guimaraes and his energy, his function through midfield, I am not sure it is easily replaced.”
Newcastle do not need to sell Bruno, Isak or Gordon
Couple of issues here. Newcastle United are not under pressure to sell one of their best players, never mind two. Secondly, Bruno was actually the third signing after the takeover, with Chris Wood’s arrival coming after Kieran Trippier.
However, Hislop’s hypothetical point probably is correct. Out of those three players, Bruno would be the most difficult to replace.
But he is also the easiest to sell. Bruno is a bit older than Gordon and Isak, while he has a lot more interest in his signature. If Newcastle really did need to sell a major player this summer, it would probably be him.
But there is no pressure to cash in. That is why the club are confident about keeping Bruno at St James’ Park, while they have laughed off suggestions of Gordon leaving. As for Isak, it would take almost £200million for the Magpies to even consider letting him leave.
While the media love the idea of Newcastle losing one of their top stars, it is only going to happen if someone activates Bruno’s release clause. And if a club is going to do just that, they need to move quick as it is only available this month.
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