Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has revealed that contract talks with midfielder Bruno Guimaraes are ‘ongoing’.
Guimaraes is said to be close to signing a new and improved contract with Newcastle after contract talks began towards the end of the 2022-23 season. The 25-year-old’s current contract expires in June 2026, although Newcastle are aiming to sign him to a lengthier contract.
Since signing from Lyon for £40 million in January 2022, the Brazilian has attracted transfer interest. Guimaraes acknowledged to having ‘a talk’ with Real Madrid last summer, and Premier League clubs Liverpool and Chelsea have also expressed interest in the midfielder.
According to reports in Spain, Newcastle rejected a £100 million proposal from Liverpool for the midfielder over the summer, while The Telegraph claims Guimaraes’ new contract might feature a release clause in excess of that amount.
Despite a sluggish start to the 2023-24 season, Magpies manager Howe believes the conjecture has had no effect on the player.
“[Contract] discussions are still ongoing, and I don’t think it’s something that’s necessarily affecting Bruno in any way,” Howe said.
“This is done with his representatives and the football club without his input.” Hopefully, the outcome will be favorable.”
Guimaraes returned from international service with Brazil earlier this week, having started the victories over Bolivia and Peru.
And Howe is expecting that the international break will benefit the 25-year-old.
“He’s been very good, very positive after a great experience, two games where he played well in both, so he’s come back with a spring in his step, which is great for us because he’s such a pivotal figure for us and a catalyst for our good work, so we’ll need him at his very best,” United’s head coach continued.
“It will hopefully inspire him and restore his confidence to its full potential.” Every player I’ve ever met is a believer; they need to feel good in order to play well. Hopefully, that will be the catalyst that brings Bruno to life for us.
“He did some really good things early in the season and made some important contributions.” We hope that this is the catalyst for Bruno’s return to peak form.”