Howe: Uncertain Future for Guimarães

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has confirmed that he does not have a definitive answer regarding the future of team captain Bruno Guimarães, despite the club's desire to keep him, following a 1-1 friendly draw against Gateshead in preparation for the new season. Howe explained that Guimarães, who has expressed a desire to move to Arsenal, will return to team training on July 31 after receiving additional time off following his participation in the World Cup.

Howe stated: "I don't know what will happen with Bruno's future, that's something others will discuss, and there are conversations I'm not part of." He added: "There is nothing preventing him from returning to training with us. I spoke with him before, during, and after the World Cup, and the conversations were very good." He emphasized the player's significance to the club, saying: "Bruno is our team captain, and he has been an exceptional player and person throughout our time together. Everyone at the club loves him, and we certainly want him to stay."

Howe also addressed the departures of Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon during the summer transfer window, admitting that losing them was painful, but he expressed his support for the club's new strategy focused on signing young talents. He said: "We don’t want to lose our best players, so the departures of Tonali and Gordon were painful and difficult, but it was a summer full of challenges, and we are always trying to make the best decisions for the club in the short and long term."

In the match, Gateshead witnessed the debut of young Dutch midfielder Sean Sturr, who arrived from Ajax and received praise from his coach for an impressive performance in midfield. Howe stated: "He can be very happy with what he delivered." French goalkeeper Ewen Gawin also made his first appearance in a Newcastle shirt, while the club continues to strengthen its squad with young talents, the latest being defensive midfielder Aladji Bamba, who joined from Monaco.