Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes isn’t planning on taking much time off this summer when he returns from the Copa America. In fact the Brazilian star, currently preparing for his country’s final group game with Colombia, will spend his time off continuing to improve his physical condition after hiring a team of fitness experts.
The 26-year-old made 50 club appearances in the 2023/24 season, as Newcastle competed both domestically and in the Champions League.
That figure was supplemented by 12 appearances for his national side, but Guimaraes has now dismissed the potential for fatigue and explained how he’s coped with the demands of a gruelling campaign.
Asked how he remains in shape, he told UOL: “I don’t even know. t’s a lot of training, investment in equipment to help me after matches, I have physiotherapy, a nutritionist. That makes a difference.
“I played 62 games this season, my record. It’s been hard to recover from that, but it’s a worthwhile effort to be in the team. In the Premier League every game is very intense. Off the pitch it’s important to recover well, eat well, sleep well.”
And he’s seemingly not interested in managing his game time during the tournament in America either. Brazil are already into the knockout stages, with coach Dorival expected to rest players for the Colombia clash.
“Dorival, if he’s going to spare people, don’t spare me because I want to play,” insisted Guimaraes. “I’m always hungry, I want to be on the pitch. If I get a card I’m out for the quarter-finals, so I don’t know what will happen.”
His desire to remain prominent for club and country comes amid speculation of a big money move. After signing from Lyon in January 2022, Guimaraes still has two years left on his Newcastle deal, and his contract initially contained a £100m release clause that expired at the end of June.
The likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, and PSG have all been linked with a move, with Newcastle reportedly willing to consider sale to help the club comply with profit and sustainability rules. But while that deadline has now passed, the north-east club will still be braced for bids during the summer transfer window.
He’s thus far been coy on his club future, telling TNT Sports Brazil: “I have a contract with Newcastle, I’m very happy, as I said, I know how much they like me, I know everything I’ve been doing for the club.
“Obviously it’s very nice to have your name linked with big clubs, it shows that I’m doing my job well, but I’m not worried about it at all. As I said, I’m happy at the club. I’m very happy, so let’s see what happens.”
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