European giants are waiting to rip the heart out of Newcastle’s midfield this summer

Suffering last-gasp Champions League heartbreak at St. James’ Park on Tuesday night as they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate on Tyneside, Newcastle know that they have an almighty battle on their hands when they travel to Catalonia next week.

Watching their FA Cup adventure come to an end last weekend as they slumped to a 3-1 loss at home against Manchester City, Eddie Howe’s side are remarkably scrapping it out in the bottom-half of the Premier League table.

Despite landing a dramatic 2-1 victory against Man United on March 7th, Newcastle have drastically failed to find any kind of stability on the domestic stage and the pressure remains on Howe’s shoulders.

With their chances of booking any kind of European campaign for next season growing drastically thinner by the week, fans around St. James’ Park are concerned over what the future could hold for many of their first-team stars.

Alongside recent speculation over Arsenal’s interest in England international Anthony Gordon, a string of European giants are eyeing Newcastle’s dominant midfield duo.

Bruno Guimaraes

While Bruno Guimaraes might currently remain on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, Newcastle’s talismanic skipper has cemented his spot as a modern era icon at St. James’ Park.

Since arriving on Tyneside back in the summer of 2022, the former Lyon youngster has blossomed into one of the Premier League’s hottest midfield stars.

Eventually staying put last summer following intense European interest, the St. James’ Park hierarchy reportedly value their midfield talisman in excess of £100million.

Spearheading Newcastle’s charge to an iconic EFL Cup crown last year, Guimaraes has essentially become the poster boy on Tyneside and his been the focal point of Howe’s squad since his arrival.

However, with Newcastle’s skipper reportedly making it clear to his representatives that he wants to be playing Champions League football next season, Guimaraes could find himself at the heart of a major transfer saga this summer.

With Brazilian compatriot Casemiro announcing that he will be leaving Manchester United at the end of the 2025/26 campaign, TEAMtalk reported this week that the Old Trafford hierarchy have identified Guimaraes as their standout replacement.

Likewise, alongside continued interest from reigning European champions PSG, Barcelona are also a long-term admirer of the 41-cap international and are keeping a close eye on proceedings.

🚨#NewcastleUnited
Bruno Guimarães – Newcastle future uncertain!

📌 Linked with Arsenal, Chelsea, Barcelona & PSG.

👀 Brazilian midfielder contracted with Newcastle until 2028. pic.twitter.com/83coVk3TuD

— Ekrem KONUR (@Ekremkonur) February 11, 2026

Sandro Tonali

Enduring a nightmare start to life on Tyneside after being handed an immediate 10-month suspension for breaching betting rules, many were quick to criticise Newcastle’s £55million deal for Sandro Tonali.

However, despite reportedly being pushed out of boyhood club AC Milan following his permeant switch in the summer of 2023, Tonali has blossomed into one of the Premier League’s most dominant midfield stars.

With many billing the Italian international as a genuine PFA Player of the Year candidate this season, the 30-cap international finds his stock at a red-hot high.

Despite only putting pen to paper on a new deal at St. James’ Park back in October and with his current contract set to run until 2029, Tonali was heavily linked with what would have been a sensational Deadline Day move to Arsenal.

Much like his club captain and midfield partner, the former AC Milan starlet looks set to have plenty of European icons who are chasing his signature this summer and his representatives have refused to rebuff the possibility of a move away at the end of the 2025/26 campaign.

With The Athletic reporting last month that Tonali had been offered to Arsenal by his agent following a season-ending injury to Mikel Merino, they remain keen on a potential summer swoop.

🚨 Sandro Tonali offered to Arsenal by agent so #AFC explored but no contact with Newcastle United; nothing will happen this window. 25yo’s camp put idea to Andrea Berta so looked into as per any player of interest. #NUFC exit now impossible @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/Dj1rlbgFbH

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) February 2, 2026