Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was quizzed by reporters after the 1-1 draw with Gateshead
15:09, 25 Jul 2026Updated 15:09, 25 Jul 2026

(Image: Richard Pelham, Getty Images)
Eddie Howe has admitted he can't guarantee that Bruno Guimaraes will stay at Newcastle United - amid talk of a £70million bid from Arsenal.
The Toon boss stated that he had spoken to Bruno and praised his character but then revealed he would not have the final say on the star's future, with CEO David Hopkinson and sporting director Ross Wilson in charge of transfers.
Howe said: "I have spoken to him normally as I would do.
"Bruno is a fantastic person and we had some really good conversations before and during the World Cup and after the World Cup.
"What we speak about has to remain private.
"He is a great player and a great person."
Howe then said: "Look I don't know what is going to happen with Bruno's future, that is for other people to speculate about.
"But also conversations that I'm not part of."
Howe warned against comparing the Bruno transfer saga to Alexander Isak's £125m sale to Liverpool last summer and reflected: "I don't think it's fair to compare situations and what happened previously.
"I think you've got to look at it in its own right. Bruno is the captain of our football club.
"He's been an unbelievable player and person all through the time that we've worked together. I speak on behalf of everyone at the football club. We absolutely love him and, of course, everyone would want him to stay."
After being forced to sell Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon to Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona, respectively, Howe told reporters, "We don't want to lose our best players.
"That is an obvious statement to make, losing those big two is painful for us and difficult for us.
"For me it has been another challenging summer so far.
"We are always trying to do our best for the football club long and short-term and try to get the squad in the best place."
Newcastle have signed younger stars like Sean Stuer, Ewen Jaouen, Bazoumana Touré and Aladji Bamba, but Howe said he has not complained about the club's transfer policy.
Howe said: "I am very supportive of what the club want to do.
"There has been concerns about the age profile, I think that is quite obvious.
"I have always believed in young players and tried to develop young players, that fits in with my philosophy anyway."
Howe stated that Bruno has been given his return date, and said: "Yes, I think the plan off the top of my head, I think it's 31st [July]. I think he's due back, so he gets an extended break because he went further in the competition and he's enjoying a holiday at the moment with his family.
"There's nothing to say that Bruno won't be back training with us."