Soccer
Newcastle had to weigh needs of club after Guimaraes 'told us he wanted to leave', says sporting director
Watch Premier League live with Fubo Sports on DAZN
There was no plan to sell Bruno Guimaraes this summer, but when Newcastle United learned of his desire to join Arsenal this summer they had to "weigh up" the needs of the club before deciding how to proceed, according to sporting director Ross Wilson.
Guimaraes is on the verge of a widely reported £75 million move to the Gunners, but Wilson said it took the sizeable fee for the Magpies to consider parting with their captain.
"We didn't want to sell Bruno," Wilson said. "It wasn't in the plan to sell Bruno. None of us — or ownership — wanted to sell Bruno.
"He's our captain, he was very, very important to us and the debate over his price — it's a world record fee for a player of his age.
"What we had to weigh up was, very respectfully from Bruno with his behaviour towards us, very emotionally as well, he effectively told us he wanted to leave and move on.
"That doesn't mean he can go, but it certainly plays a part in what our thinking is when we hit a certain range of number.
"There's no part in saying it was part of our strategy and was in our thinking this summer — it wasn't.
"But we have got to be flexible and react to things that happen."
Getty Images
Guimaraes' stature within the club and an ongoing rebuild of the squad this summer were factors in the decision to sell the 28-year-old midfielder, but Wilson admitted that the Magpies were looking for "an even higher number" from the Premier League champions.
However, he stated that Newcastle are satisfied with the final fee.
"You're dealing with very sophisticated actors on each side," Wilson said. "That's what negotiation looks like.
"It's a fee that satisfies us. If you want to put a merchandising spin on it, it's the highest fee for a player in that position at that age, and all those things come into play.
"Is it a good deal for Newcastle United? I believe it is, but Arsenal are getting a very special player and person. It's worked from a financial perspective for both sides."
DAZN/FIFA
How to watch the Premier League in Canada
Soccer fans in Canada can watch every Premier League match during the 2026-27 season on DAZN.
With Fubo Sports on DAZN, Canadians can catch Premier League and Serie A action. Additionally, DAZN is the home of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Bundesliga, and more.
For pricing information and to sign up to watch, click here.
