Bruno Guimaraes has addressed speculation that Newcastle United's underwhelming season was a direct result of Alexander Isak's £125 million transfer to Liverpool. The Brazil international, currently preparing for the World Cup in the United States, dismissed the notion that the Swedish striker's departure was the sole cause of the Magpies' struggles.
Bruno's Take on Isak's Exit
Speaking to AS while on international duty, Guimaraes stated: "I see the whole process. I don't think any one isolated incident changed our course." He emphasized that multiple factors contributed to the team's decline, including a lack of consistent performances, instability in the starting lineup, and a spate of injuries.
Newcastle slipped from the top six to the bottom half of the Premier League table during the 2025/26 season, with Guimaraes himself sidelined for a period due to a hamstring injury sustained in a 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. The midfielder spent a month recovering with Brazil's federation, which he credited for his return to fitness.
Reflecting on a Disappointing Campaign
The 28-year-old was candid about the team's performance, admitting: "It's been a season where we haven't reached our full potential, and that will undoubtedly serve as a lesson for the future. We haven't been able to maintain consistency, and that has had a significant impact on our Premier League position and in other competitions."
Future Ambitions and Captaincy
When asked about his long-term plans, including the 2030 World Cup, Guimaraes replied: "I like to live one day at a time. Step by step. See you in 2030 and I'll give you that answer." He urged fans to keep faith, stating: "Keep going and don't lose faith along the way. The difficulties will serve as a learning experience and a springboard to success. Trust the process and yourself. It will all have been worth it."
Regarding the possibility of succeeding Marquinhos as Brazil captain, Guimaraes said: "Honestly, I'm not thinking about that right now. My focus is entirely on this World Cup. It was a dream of mine to arrive at a World Cup in good form, and my goal is to help Brazil win this title. I'm always ready to help."
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