Newcastle United is bleeding talent this summer, and Manchester United might be the next team to take advantage. After already offloading Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali for serious money, the Magpies now face the likely departure of Bruno Guimaraes. And if that domino falls, one of their young fullbacks could be next out the door.
Guimaraes has reportedly grown frustrated with Newcastle’s project and has asked to join Arsenal. The Gunners have sent two bids through intermediaries so far — £55 million and £60 million — and are preparing a third offer worth around £80 million. Newcastle wants £100 million for their captain and fan favorite, who helped them win the League Cup and return to the Champions League. But the gap is closing.
If Guimaraes goes, it won’t just sting emotionally. It could trigger a broader exodus.
One Fullback In, One Out
Transfer reporter Ben Jacobs recently explained Newcastle’s thinking on The United Stand. According to Jacobs, Newcastle sources have told him it’s a one-or-the-other situation with Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento. Same logic applied to Tonali and Guimaraes earlier. Now that logic is cracking.
“We’ve been told for months by Newcastle sources that if Livramento goes, Hall won’t, or vice versa,” Jacobs said. “If Tonali goes, Guimaraes won’t. And now we’re in a situation where actually, Guimaraes has asked Newcastle to leave.”
He added that once a player labeled “not for sale” forces his way out, other guys start testing the waters too. “If the not-for-sale stance becomes a sale at the end of it, then who’s to say that other players are not gonna go, ‘Well, not-for-sale doesn’t mean not-for-sale.’”
Jacobs doesn’t think Newcastle absolutely needs the Guimaraes money to balance the books anymore, since Tonali and Gordon already brought in big fees. But he still suspects one of the two fullbacks will go before the window closes.
Man United’s Interest Is Real
Lewis Hall is 21 years old, plays left back, and has caught Manchester United’s eye in a big way. Previous reports suggest he’d cost at least £60 million — roughly $78 million — and possibly more. Chelsea, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich are all watching, but United has shown the strongest interest so far.
The idea is simple: Hall would be Luke Shaw’s long-term replacement. Shaw has struggled with injuries, and United needs a younger, more reliable option on that flank. Hall fits the profile. He’s comfortable pushing forward, good on the ball, and already proven in the Premier League.
Whether Newcastle actually lets him go depends on what happens with Guimaraes in the next few weeks. But if Arsenal lands their guy, don’t be surprised if United comes knocking with a serious offer for Hall. The summer exodus at St. James’ Park might not be over yet.
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