Eddie Howe’s final comments as Newcastle boss hint at imminent player exit

Eddie Howe admitted Newcastle ‘can’t control the forces that are at play’ as speculation surrounding Bruno Guimaraes continues to swirl.

Those comments proved to be Howe’s last in the public eye before his shock departure from the Magpies was revealed on Thursday.

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talkSPORT understands Howe’s frustration over big players being sold this summer coupled with Newcastle consistently missing out on their main targets was a factor behind his exit from the club.

Looney Toons

In the last two years, Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali have all left Newcastle for big transfer fees.

Gordon and Tonali were among the latest to go, with the former joining Barcelona earlier this summer for £70million.

As for Tonali, he was snapped up by Tottenham for a club-record £100m.

The summer heartbreak may not be done just yet for Toon supporters though as Guimaraes’ future is yet to be resolved.

talkSPORT understands Arsenal are in advanced talks with Newcastle over the midfielder, who doubles as the club captain.

The Magpies have denied formal contact, but it is understood progress has been made on a verbal agreement upwards of £75m.

Howe non-committal on Guimaraes’ future

And Howe, speaking after Newcastle’s 4-1 pre-season loss to Bristol City on Wednesday, conceded ‘what will be, will be,’ regarding Guimaraes’ future.

“Any distraction, it’s not healthy, it’s unhealthy,” Howe said.

“So, yeah [it would be negative for the speculation to drag on].

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“But we’re not in control of that. And to some degree, I don’t think Bruno’s in control of that either. What will be, will be.

“We can’t control the forces that are at play here, we’ve just got to make sure that when Bruno comes back, we look after him and he trains well, which I’m sure he will do. And he makes a difference as he always has done.”

Howe also insisted Guimaraes would not follow Isak’s suit and allow a transfer saga to drag on throughout the summer.

Last year, Isak went on strike to force a move to Liverpool, which only went through on deadline day last year for a British transfer record fee of £125m.

In contrast, Howe claimed Guimaraes ‘has always been committed’ to the cause but could not guarantee that would mean the skipper will stay put.

“We’ve spoken numerous times,” Howe said.

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“Assurances? I don’t think you can push too hard for those.

“I’ve said many times we want players who are committed, and Bruno has always been committed. His training performances and his game performances have been outstanding, every time he’s worn the shirt, he’s played with the fans by his side. I’d love to see that continue.

“The details [of him coming back] I don’t actually know, but I don’t see any reason why that wouldn’t be the case.”