Howe: Bruno Guimaraes Could Return for Newcastle as Transfer Rumors Swirl

Bruno Guimaraes eyes Bournemouth return after 2-month injury, Howe addresses exit links | Image: Paul Childs

Newcastle could get captain Bruno Guimaraes back vs Bournemouth after a hamstring injury. Howe also addressed transfer links for Bruno and Anthony Gordon.

Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes is closing in on a return after a two-month hamstring layoff...

Newcastle United could be lifted by the return of captain Bruno Guimaraes for Saturday’s Premier League home game against Bournemouth, following a two-month absence with a hamstring injury, manager Eddie Howe said.

Guimaraes, Newcastle’s leading Premier League scorer this season with nine goals, has been eager to get back on the pitch as quickly as possible, Howe told reporters on Friday.

“The medical team ‌are trying to hold him back ... I say hold him ‌back, there's always that tug because the player is desperate to play and I love that with Bruno,” the manager said.

“I'll make a decision ‌based on what I see in training ⁠today, but there is a ‌chance.”

Brazil midfielder Guimaraes was a key figure for his country in World Cup qualifying, and the injury ruled him out of this year’s friendlies versus France and Croatia ahead of the tournament that begins in June.

However, the 28-year-old’s form before getting hurt has fueled media talk of a possible summer move to Real Madrid or Manchester United.

Newcastle’s England forward Anthony Gordon, who’s scored 10 goals in the Champions League this season, has also drawn interest from several clubs, including Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and Arsenal.

But Howe said he expects players to be fully committed to the club and Newcastle’s future, no matter the transfer rumors around them.

Bruno's back in training 😍 pic.twitter.com/OixjxqrHoJ

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) April 17, 2026

“The biggest thing I look for is the commitment to training ... I won't play a player if I don't think they are 100% committed to the club and its future. I'm not talking about Anthony here, I'm talking generally across the board,” he said.

“When they're high profile, like the ones we have here, they're in ‌the news all the time for lots of different reasons.

“It comes with the territory. You have to adjust and adapt ‌to it, you have to understand to it, and try to play to your best level with the noise around you.

“I don't think you get to this level without the ability to do that. I don't think any ⁠player can use that as ⁠an excuse towards lower ‌performances. The lads internally aren't.”