After the historic 2022/2023 season of Newcastle in which they managed to secure a solid qualification for the UEFA Champions League, it was expected that the project led by Eddie Howe would remain in the top of the table in the current season. However, the reality has been different for the Magpies.
Currently, Newcastle is positioned 16 points away from the Champions zone and 10 from the Europa League zone, so it seems clear that next season there will be no European football for the team from northern England, which could precipitate the departure of several elite players.
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Bruno Guimarães, imminent salary reduction
One of the most affected by the absence of European competitions would be Bruno Guimarães, the Brazilian captain of Newcastle who, after securing the Champions League qualification, received a salary increase that would remain in force as long as Newcastle played in the UEFA Champions League.
However, the low possibility of playing the next edition of the Champions League and, consequently, the imminent salary reduction that would take away up to 20% of his current income could distance him from the English club in the upcoming transfer window.
The newspaper Sport ensures that various clubs in England, France and Spain would be closely following this uncomfortable situation for the Brazilian player and the interested parties would weigh up making lower offers for him in the summer despite having a release clause of 100 million pounds.
This significant salary reduction could be decisive in the operation, since, if he asks to leave, Newcastle would be forced to listen to offers, but Bruno Guimarães has assured on other occasions that he is not thinking of leaving the club this summer.
However, as is well known in the exciting world of the transfer market, nothing is written and anything can happen.
Real Madrid is closely following him
One of the clubs that would be showing a concrete interest in the Brazilian pivot would be Real Madrid, a club that would be studying the possibility of making a move for Bruno Guimarães if his intention to leave Newcastle is confirmed.
However, in the race would also be Arsenal, Manchester City and PSG, clubs that value the leadership, projection and talent of the consolidated 26-year-old midfielder.
Remembering Zagallo
Sambafoot Series launched a new documentary about the football legend Zagallo. Known as ‘Velho Lobo‘ and as superstitious as it gets, Zagallo helped shape what Brazilian football is nowadays — as a player and as a coach.
The first, second and third episodes are available on Sambafoot’s Youtube channel and the series will receive weekly releases to tell this legend’s life story.