Newcastle United

Newcastle United

Premier League • England

Newcastle United star details ‘motivation’ stemming from Chelsea interest, along with two new goals

Bruno Guimaraes, Newcastle United, October 2022

Bruno Guimaraes, Newcastle United, October 2022

Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes has detailed his “motivation” alongside two goals he has, amid transfer interest from Chelsea.

Guimaraes has been one of Newcastle’s most important players since his £38million move from Lyon last January. That move was one of a few that hauled the Magpies out of a tough spot.

Indeed, they were potential relegation candidates just a few months prior to the winter transfer window. However, the recruitment, and Eddie Howe’s management in general, turned things around.

Newcastle ended up finishing 11th, a massive achievement considering the peril they might’ve been in at one point. Guimaraes was one of the stars of the show.

Once he was eased in, his impact was clear to see. Indeed, of the 17 league games he played last term, the Magpies won 11, and he scored five goals and registered an assist.

The goals against the side also dried up, with Guimaraes’ screening of the back four another crucial aspect of Newcastle’s play.

In those 17 games, 19 goals were conceded. However, 10 of those goals came in two games, and only nine came from each of the other 15.

As such, it could be fair to categorise those two performances as off days.

Guimaraes relishing challenge

Guimaraes detailed the pressure that was on him when he first arrived at the club for such a big fee in a recent interview. However, he also explained the progress he feels he has made, and the benefits of those aspects.

“There was a lot of pressure because I was a national team player for Brazil, coming to a team that was fighting to stay in the Premier League and not get relegated,” he told Sky Sports.

“But I think I was born to play in the Premier League. I love the atmosphere. I love the intensity of the game. It is the most difficult league, of course. There are no easy games. But when you play well here, it makes you think you can play in any competition.

“I think that, and the pressure when I came, has helped me to develop, to be the player I am now.”

Guimaraes transfer unlikely

There have been reports linking the Newcastle star to Chelsea of late. Indeed, the Blues have reportedly begun talks with his agent to gauge whether a move could happen.

However, it seems they might be out of luck, as Guimaraes is more than happy in his current situation, despite being motivated by talk of a big move.

“For sure, it’s always a pleasure to hear things like that,” he said.

“It is one more motivation, but this is only my first full season at Newcastle. There is a long way to go. I love playing here, I love to bond with the fans, and I want to become a legend here.

“The rest, I leave with my agent. I have three or four years of contract left. It’s so long. I swear I’m not thinking about other things. My focus now is just on Newcastle and the World Cup.”

A good World Cup is sure to have even more eyes on Guimaraes. However, given how happy he seems to be at St James’ Park, they might not have to worry about other clubs coming calling.