Newcastle: Bruno Guimaraes’ departure decisi...

By Daniel Forsythe — 6 August 2026 — 3 min read

Newcastle United manager Matthias Jaissle has stated that the decision regarding Bruno Guimaraes’ future was already finalised before he met the departing captain. Arsenal are reportedly close to completing a £75m transfer for the midfielder following a breakthrough in discussions.

Jaissle had a brief conversation with Guimaraes at the club’s training camp in Spain earlier this week. The 28-year-old subsequently said his goodbyes to his teammates and club staff.

Guimaraes’ Departure and Newcastle’s Rebuild

Jaissle, in his initial meeting with reporters after being appointed head coach, commented on the situation. He described the conversation as pleasant and acknowledged Guimaraes as a fantastic player and a great person. Jaissle noted that while it is a difficult situation, it represents a new challenge for Guimaraes, and the club will need to address it.

Guimaraes is set to become the fourth significant player to leave Newcastle within a year. Earlier in the transfer window, Anthony Gordon moved to Barcelona and Sandro Tonali joined Tottenham Hotspur. Last summer, Alexander Isak transferred to Liverpool.

Despite these departures, Jaissle views the club’s rebuild as an opportunity to establish a new cycle and develop a young, ambitious squad. He took over from former manager Eddie Howe. Jaissle highlighted the numerous transitions occurring, with many prominent players, described as club legends, having left. He emphasised the need to see this period as a chance for progress.

Jaissle has been concentrating on coaching the current players. Newcastle is also working on securing additional players before the start of the season. The club’s transfer strategy this summer has focused on acquiring younger players from continental Europe. Lukas Hornicek, at 24 years of age, is reportedly the oldest new arrival by a considerable margin.

The club has spent approximately £146m so far on goalkeepers Hornicek and Ewen Jaouen, midfielders Aladji Bamba and Sean Steur, and winger Bazoumana Toure. This quintet, like Jaissle, has not previously played in the Premier League.

Matthias Jaissle in the dugout during his time as Al-Ahli manager Credit: bbc.co.uk

Arsenal’s Acquisition and Future Outlook

Arsenal reached an agreement for Guimaraes after their initial bid was rejected. The midfielder had reportedly informed Newcastle earlier in the summer of his desire to join Arsenal if a suitable offer was made. He has been granted permission to travel for a medical examination.

Guimaraes joined Newcastle in 2022 from Lyon for £40m. He has made 195 appearances for Newcastle, scoring 31 goals. He has two years remaining on his contract, with a club-held option for a third year.

Newcastle had aimed to retain Guimaraes. However, if this transfer proceeds, the club will have generated over £240m from player sales this summer. This figure includes Anthony Gordon’s £69.3m move to Barcelona and Sandro Tonali’s £100m transfer to Tottenham Hotspur.

Jaissle, who has had successful periods managing in Saudi Arabia and Austria with Al-Ahli and RB Salzburg, is embracing the challenge of managing in the Premier League. He noted that while managing in the Premier League is new to his CV, it is a natural progression in football. He expressed that everyone dreams of being part of the Premier League, and he is now in that position after his previous successes.

Newcastle is scheduled to commence their new campaign against Liverpool at St James’ Park on 23 August.