Newcastle news: Why Bruno Guimaraes is Magpies' heartbeat
Bruno Guimaraes emerged as Newcastle United's saviour during a bruising 2025-26 domestic campaign, with the Magpies slipping to 12th place in the Premier League. Without their player of the year, the team would have been in a far worse position.
Having worked with the coaching staff on positioning and anticipation inside the box, Guimaraes finished as Newcastle's top scorer in the Premier League with nine goals. His mentality shone through with a number of late goals at St James Park, including a 90th-minute winner and a stoppage-time penalty equaliser in a match Newcastle went on to win. He scored openers that helped Newcastle pick up 10 points from a possible 12.
Although he missed a chunk of the season through injury, Guimaraes still ranked in the top five players across the league for defensive line-breaking passes with 46 and through balls with 21. He also led the way at Newcastle for passes under high-intensity pressure with 998, illustrating how he relishes responsibility. His ability to make things happen has long been invaluable to head coach Eddie Howe.
Beyond statistics, Guimaraes has forged a deep bond with Newcastle supporters. Season ticket-holder Adam Stoker captured the essence of this connection: "We saw his reaction after the 2025 EFL cup final when he was crying and that amazing interview he did post-match when the words he spoke in that moment almost summed it up better than any actual Geordie could have. It does feel like he's become completely immersed in the club, the city and the region."
Stoker highlighted the extraordinary nature of Guimaraes' rapport with supporters: "I don't think I've ever known anyone have this much rapport with supporters. The only person you can put him in the same stratosphere as is Alan Shearer."
With Newcastle determined to retain the Brazilian captain despite transfer interest, his role as leader of the squad's rebuild remains crucial as the club prepares for the upcoming campaign.