Alan Hutton has claimed that Newcastle United must do ‘whatever it takes’ to keep hold of Bruno Guimaraes.
Speaking with Football Insider, Hutton suggested that a player of Guimaraes’ quality could have his head turned by a rival club.
The Brazilian has had an outstanding campaign for Newcastle. He already has five goal contributions to his name, as well as some very impressive passing stats.
Guimaraes came to Tyneside in January from Lyon for a fee of £40 million. Since his arrival he’s really felt the love from the Geordie faithful. Furthermore he’s stated it’s been a dream of his to play in the Premier League.
Here’s what Hutton had to say about the Magpies star, “He’s come in and he’s been a breath of fresh air. This is what Newcastle need, this is what they’re trying to be: a top team that’s going to compete.
“There’s no point in unearthing these gems, spending money, bringing them into the football club, giving them a platform to play and then, when they hit those heights you knew they would, selling them on.
“They want to be that club that’s bringing these guys in. Whatever it takes, if his head’s slightly getting turned, give him a new deal. He knows what they’re trying to achieve at Newcastle and they’ll want to keep him, for sure.”
TIF’s view on Hutton’s comments…
We believe that Newcastle should look to offer Guimaraes a new deal. There’s no doubt he’s been one of their star performers this season.
For the club, it’s been an exceptional season so far. The Toon are third in the league and have the joint best defence in the league alongside Premier League leaders, Arsenal.
Based on where they are in the table, Champions League football could well be on the cards, even achieving Europa League football would be most welcome on Tyneside.
The Magpies have not featured in any European competition since the 2012/13 campaign. They were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Benfica.
Bruno Guimaraes is the kind of player that deserves to be playing consistent Champions League football. It’s a competition he’s played in before with Lyon.
It would come as no surprise if Newcastle were to tie Guimaraes down to a new deal. A new salary would likely turn away any potential club interested him for the next season or so.