Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Mon 11 May 2026 9:12, UK

Follow us on Google Discover

Bruno Guimaraes’ continued stay at St James’ Park should be Newcastle United’s aim above anything else this summer.

The Brazilian was superb on Sunday as the Magpies drew 1-1 with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, after former Newcastle man Elliot Anderson scored in the final minutes.

Harvey Barnes had put Eddie Howe’s team ahead mid-way through the second half, and it looked as if consecutive Premier League wins could be on the cards for the first time since the beginning of January.

But just a point has left the Magpies at risk of dropping as low as 15th before the weekend arrives.

Newcastle transfer chiefs are set to be forced into sanctioning the sale of one or two high-profile players this summer, but Guimaraes must stay.

Bruno Guimaraes’ brilliant stats vs Nottingham Forest

Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider in March that Guimares could join Manchester United this summer if Michael Carrick is appointed.

But Newcastle will be confident that they will be able to keep the midfielder at St James’ Park, with his contract set to run until 2028.

The 28-year-old will likely go to the World Cup with Brazil this summer, and transfer chiefs may well need to hold their nerve amid sizable offers.

Guimaraes’ performance on Sunday has proven that keeping him at the club is far more important than in the case of the likes of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali, however.

The midfielder was involved in everything Newcastle did going forward, creating three chances for his teammates and taking four shots himself.

He should have scored when presented with the ball inside the Nottingham Forest box, but the fact that the chance fell to him underlined his involvement.

Defensively, Guimaraes was everywhere as well, making two tackles, two blocks, seven recoveries and winning most of his duels.

Perhaps most astonishingly, the Brazil international was fouled five times as the home side struggled to deal with him.

Newcastle face dark future if Guimaraes is lost

Guimaraes has been linked with a move away, and it would be a struggle to find a team in Europe who would not want to sign the midfielder.

But much of Newcastle’s future lies built around the Brazilian, and his exit cannot be considered this summer.

It is no coincidence that their worst period of the season has come while Guimaraes has faced an injury-hit period of the season, and his full return has coincided with their most positive results in some time.

The 28-year-old must stay put at St James’ Park this summer and beyond, if Newcastle’s project is going to take its next step.