Bruno Guimaraes bombshell & £110m transfer hope - Where World Cup aftermath leaves Newcastle United
Newcastle United learned several lessons at the World Cup as Tyneside’s football attention turns to ongoing events at St James’ Park.
The World Cup is over - and now the football focus switches to the Premier League resumption next month. Newcastle United stars have already returned to pre-season training and enjoyed a 3-0 behind-closed-doors win over Darlington at the weekend.
Seven Toon stars represented their nations at the tournament. That reduced to six once Anthony Gordon completed his £70million move to Barcelona.
The news cycle on Tyneside continued to spin and, to an extent, was impacted by events across the pond. Now Spain have been crowned winners - The Gazette has recapped events at the World Cup that could shape the Magpies moving forward.
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Renewed £110m hope
Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa cost Newcastle a combined £110million last year. It would be an understatement to suggest that neither player enjoyed a stellar debut season on Tyneside.
However, both starred in the early stages of the World Cup, with Wissa scoring three goals - including an equaliser against Portugal - to spark pandemonium across DR Congo. As for Elanga, he started the tournament on the bench but netted twice to remind Toon fans of his talents.
A brilliant left-footed strike in a 1-1 draw with Japan showed what the winger can produce when full of confidence. Both players getting minutes in pre-season is vital if they are to resurrect their Newcastle careers.
Transfer reality
As the World Cup began, the Magpies were increasingly confident in signing Spain winger Victor Munoz. Toon officials travelled to the US to finalise a deal - only for Liverpool to hijack the move.
In a similar situation, Newcastle came close to agreeing a move for Swiss breakout star Johan Manzambi. Aston Villa - with Champions League football on offer - swooped in to thwart the Magpies again.
A lesson could perhaps be learned here. Newcastle must learn which pond they are fishing in. When a shark enters, it is probably best to pull the rod out and begin looking elsewhere…
A new national hero
Dan Burn won over the hearts and minds of England fans across the country. His inspired performance against Mexico saw the Blyth native become the nation's latest cult hero.
Many ridiculed Thomas Tuchel’s decision to pick Burn over Harry Maguire. However, the 6ft 7in defender showcased his no-nonsense attributes to prove he has plenty left in the tank for Newcastle to consider.
Burn turned 34 in May and he has one year remaining on his contract. Eddie Howe should recognise the “horses for courses” role he played at the World Cup as the defender enters the twilight of his career.
Bruno Guimaraes bombshell
Newcastle fans were rocked by the news that Bruno Guimaraes wants to leave the club. The bombshell revelation came after his missed penalty contributed to Brazil’s surprise exit to Norway.
In truth, rumblings of Guimaraes wanting to explore his options predate the tournament. Arsenal are interested but have still not contacted the Magpies to discuss a possible move.
For now, much of the speculation has been fuelled by agents but, if an offer arrived, Guimaraes would entertain a switch to North London. Newcastle will hope for a positive resolution before he returns to first-team training.
James Trafford clarity
Newcastle tried - and failed - to sign James Trafford in the previous two summer transfer windows. And despite signing Ewen Jaouen, the Magpies remain keen on another goalkeeper.
Trafford is assessing his options after only featuring as a bit-part player for Manchester City last season. Newcastle are one of several Premier League clubs keeping tabs on the situation.
His camp were always keen to pause talk about his future until after the World Cup. Could it be third time lucky this summer?
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