- Bruno Guimaraes named Newcastle United Player of the Season
- Brazilian midfielder missed two months with hamstring injury
- Captain’s win highlights need for a rebuild
Bruno Guimaraes has been named Newcastle United’s Player of the Year and that only highlights how much the squad needs a rebuild. The Brazilian spent two months on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
The Brazilian has been one of, if not Eddie Howe’s best performer ever since he arrived at St James’ Park. This season, he has made 40 appearances across competitions, posting nine goals and eight assists.
Guimaraes has won the award for the first time and he’s one of only a few members of the first-team squad who can be proud of their contributions this season. The fact that he earned the accolade despite an injury-plagued campaign doesn’t make for great viewing for Howe.
A telling award
Newcastle have endured a difficult season which will see them miss out on European qualification. Howe’s men also crashed out of the UEFA Champions League after being thrashed 8-3 on aggregate by Barcelona in the Round of 16.
To make matters worse, the Tyneside outfit suffered defeat at home and away to rivals Sunderland. That only further makes it clear that there are deep-rooted issues that need to be addressed this summer.
Keeping hold of Guimaraes is a must amid speculation linking him with the likes of Manchester United. Talk of a potential transfer has fortunately subsided in recent months following his return from a hamstring injury.
The 28-year-old joined the Magpies from Lyon for £40m in February 2022. He’s been a true leader and a shining light in a gloomy period and a season that most fans can’t wait to see end.
Rebuild is clearly needed
Newcastle need to hit the reset button and conduct a massive overhaul of Howe’s squad. That includes getting tough with underperformers such as Yoane Wissa, who only arrived from Brentford last summer for £50m.
Howe hinted after a 3-1 win over West Ham United that the club intends to make vast changes to the squad. He told reporters:
“It’s a big summer for us, a huge summer for the football club… it does feel it has the potential to be that summer for us, but regardless of big change or not we have to come out of that transfer window stronger.”
Replacing Kieran Trippier should be a priority amid the veteran right-back’s departure. A new striker should also be on the cards with Nick Woltemade still yet to reach expectations and Wissa flopping.
Reports claim that the Magpies are prepared to sell Joe Willock and Jacob Murphy. That’s another two players whom the club must look to upgrade on.
