AL ITTIHAD TARGETS NEWCASTLE'S Bruno Guimarães

Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães is a target of newly crowned Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad. They appear ready to pay the €120 million ($135 million) release clause of the Brazil international. According to reports, Guimarães' agent Alexis Malavolta, was seen in Saudi Arabia last week and had a meeting with the board of Al Ittihad, who have the 27-year-old as a priority for next season. The Newcastle United’s midfielders’ current contract runs until the end of the 2027-28 season. A possible salary figure for Guimarães has not yet been discussed in the first contact between the parties. However, the player's management is not considering a figure lower than between €40 million and €50 million ($45 million and $56 million) per year, sources said. Bruno Guimarães has been a key player for Newcastle since joining from Olympique Lyonnaise in January 2022. Guimarães has scored five goals and provided nine assists in 53 appearances for Newcastle and Brazil this season. He also helped Newcastle end their 70-year wait for a domestic trophy with victory over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.