The untouchable Newcastle star who can’t be sold amid Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Tino Livramento links

Bruno Guimaraes is the most important player for Newcastle to retain this summer, but the board must act quickly.

The Brazilian has served as the leader and engine of the Magpies’ midfield since his arrival in 2022.

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Statistical evidence consistently supports his importance, as Newcastle’s win rate percentage drops considerably whenever he is absent.

This season, the 28-year-old has been directly involved in 35 per cent of Newcastle’s goals and sits as the squad’s top scorer with nine.

Beyond his individual talent, Guimaraes acts as the team’s heartbeat, often orchestrating play from various positions on the pitch.

He is adored by the Geordies, having become the first captain to lift domestic silverware for the club in 70 years in their 2025 Carabao Cup victory.

Summer of uncertainty

With Newcastle set to miss out on European football next season, manager Eddie Howe will find it increasingly difficult to retain his star players.

It is far from certain Howe will remain on Tyneside himself.

Recent reports suggest Newcastle are aiming to extend Guimaraes’ deal to fend off mounting interest.

On talkSPORT’s Inside The Toon, our Magpies correspondent Jack Cunningham highlighted the Brazilian’s brilliance.

He said: “The statistics he had before his injury proved how much we need him, we didn’t win any Premier League games without him.

“It always felt like going into this part of the season, it was a test to see how we would do without Bruno, and clearly… not very well.

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“This makes the summer very important. There are transfer links for Gordon, Tonali, and Livramento, but Bruno is the priority.

“Newcastle need to nip any speculation in the bud immediately. Despite us finishing in the bottom half and lacking European football, we need him to sign a new contract.

“He could play for any big team in Europe, the only thing that could put them off is because he’s turning 29-years-old.”

Squad departures

Guimaraes recently returned to action as a starter against Arsenal, playing 75 minutes before being substituted.

His season has been plagued by misfortune, including a hamstring tear and a bout of mumps contracted while visiting Brazil.

More high-profile players are rumoured to be departing St James’ Park this summer including Anthony Gordon after three-and-a-half-years at the club.

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The hierarchy are prepared to sell the England international for £75million, with Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Chelsea interested.

Sandro Tonali and Tino Livramento are reportedly top targets for clubs that can offer the prospect of playing in premium continental competitions.

Additionally, the north east outfit will be expected to sell at least one key player this summer to comply with the Premier League’s new ‘Squad Cost Ratio’ rules.

With their failure to secure Champions League football, the loss of financial benefits makes player sales a necessity to fund a broader squad rebuild.

But for talkSPORT’s Cunningham, there’s one prime candidate worth saving. He added: “There’s a few players who are untouchable for me and he [Guimaraes] is top of that list.

“His goals on top of his work rate have been crucial – clutch goals, headers, and penalties.

“He’s done it all, and he’s saved us from being in a genuine relegation battle.”

Mathematically, Howe’s side can still be relegated from the Premier League – a precarious position Newcastle have not found themselves in since the former Bournemouth manager was appointed.