For the second time in two years, Newcastle United fans have had to come to terms with losing one of their star men – this time, in the form of midfielder Bruno Guimarães.
The Brazilian, who joined from Lyon in January 2022, racked up just shy of 200 appearances for the Magpies and even took the responsibility of being the club captain.
However, after the club’s failure to secure European football last term, a departure felt certain and he eventually joined Arsenal for a reported £75m after a long-winded transfer saga.
New boss Matthias Jaissle will do well to find a player of the 28-year-old’s calibre on Tyneside, but he will be hoping two of the club’s new arrivals can allow supporters to forget about his departure.
Why Gonzalez and Steur could fill the void left by Guimaraes
In a bid to overhaul the midfield department this summer, Newcastle completed the signings of three talented midfielders – all of whom are aged 24 or under.
Sean Steur was the first to arrive on Tyneside, as the Magpies forked out a reported £23m to prise the 18-year-old star away from his homeland outfit, Ajax.
Given his tender age, time will need to be given to the Dutchman to make an impact at St James’ Park, but he’s already featured in all three games of Jaissle’s tenure.
During such a period, Steur has already ranked in the top 5% of players in the Premier League for clearances made – highlighting the defensive quality he will add to the heart of the side.
He’s been joined in such an area by Nico Gonzalez, with the Spanish international the most expensive midfield addition this summer – arriving from Manchester City for a deal totalling £52m.
|
Newcastle United’s summer signing (2026/27) |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Player |
Nationality |
Previous Club |
Fee |
|
Nico Gonzalez |
Spain |
Man City |
£52m |
|
Matias Fernandez-Pardo |
Belgium |
Lille |
£51m |
|
Bazoumana Toure |
Cote d’Ivoire |
Hoffenheim |
£42m |
|
Aladji Bamba |
France |
Monaco |
£34m |
|
Amar Dedic |
Bosnia |
Benfica |
£29.5m |
|
Lukas Hornicek |
Czechia |
Braga |
£25.7m |
|
Ewen Jaouen |
France |
Stade Reims |
£24m |
|
Sean Steur |
Netherlands |
Ajax |
£23m |
The 24-year-old made his debut during the win against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend and already showcased signs that he will be worth every penny of his big-money transfer fee.
He looked extremely comfortable in possession at the base of Jaissle’s midfield, subsequently completing 94% of the 51 passes he attempted in North London.
Gonzalez completed a staggering 16 line-breaking passes that day – the most of any player on the pitch – which could see him be a difference maker after the departure of Guimaraes.
Why Newcastle’s new addition is the best signing since Guimaraes
Replacing Guimaraes with a like for like talent was always going to be a tricky ask for Newcastle, which no doubt played a part in the hierarchy targeting young talents who can develop in the future.
It’s certainly early days, but the money raised from such a deal appears to be well spent and has handed Jaissle the tools at his disposal to make a difference in the Premier League.
However, other areas of the senior ranks have also been bolstered during the recent window, as seen by the deadline day signing of winger Matias Fernandez-Pardo from French side Lille.
The Belgian will need time to settle into life on Tyneside after such a move, but it appears fellow summer arrival Amar Dedic is not in need of a period of adaptation.
Jaissle’s men secured the services of the Bosnian international in a deal worth a reported £30m, as the club looked to add needed depth and quality to the right-back department.
It’s safe to say very few Magpies supporters would have been familiar with the defender from his time at Benfica, but he’s wasted no time in making an immediate impact and capturing the hearts of the fanbase.
The 24-year-old has featured for every minute of the German’s tenure to date and has impressed within attacking areas despite his defensive responsibilities.
Dedic has registered three assists in his first three outings for the Magpies, whilst also creating 1.2 chances per 90 for the likes of Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa.
His marauding nature down the right-hand side has already seen him strike up a superb partnership with the former of the aforementioned pair – leading to the Swede netting twice in England’s top flight to date.
However, without the ball, the Bosnian has also demonstrated top-level quality, subsequently making an incredible tally of 8.5 defensive contributions per 90.
Such a figure has ranked him in the top 20% of all defenders in the Premier League after the first two matches – which has seen the Magpies keep a clean sheet during last weekend’s triumph.
Other figures, such as 5.1 clearances and 2.5 tackles made, further showcase his phenomenal ability without the ball – also placing him in the top 15% of players in his position this term.
Whilst he’s only a handful of games into his time in Newcastle, it’s clear that Dedic possesses all the tools needed to be a success in Jaissle’s demanding system.
It’s very rare a player can make such an immediate impact after such a move, but he’s taken to life in the Premier League like a duck to water.
At £30m, the youngster looks to be an absolute bargain and there’s no reason why he can’t capture the hearts of the fanbase like Guimaraes did if he continues on his current trajectory.