Chris Waddle Urges Tonali and Guimaraes to Clarify Newcastle Futures

Chris Waddle, a former Newcastle United player, has encouraged midfielders Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes to openly communicate their plans regarding potential transfers. Both players have attracted attention from clubs including Manchester United, Arsenal, and Manchester City, according to transfer speculation surrounding Newcastle.

Currently, Guimaraes is participating in the 2026 World Cup with Brazil, focusing on international duties rather than club matters. Newcastle United, however, require clarity on his future to plan accordingly. Should Guimaraes consider leaving, manager Eddie Howe and his staff would need to identify a replacement promptly.

Similarly, Tonali plays a crucial role as an Italian playmaker for Newcastle, contributing with aggressive tackling and forward drives. Replacing his influence in the midfield would present a significant challenge for the club.

Newcastle could receive substantial transfer fees if either midfielder departs, as both carry high market values. The club has already generated nearly £70 million ($94 million) from the sale of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona. With the 2026 summer transfer window approaching, Newcastle may have funds available for reinvestment, although rival clubs reportedly have interest in their key players.

Despite Newcastle’s 12th-place finish last season, the club is expected to resist selling important squad members. However, the absence of European football for the 2026-27 season could complicate retention efforts.

Waddle Calls for Transparency on Transfer Intentions

When asked about the possibility of Tonali or Guimaraes leaving St James’ Park, Chris Waddle told GOAL, “Well, the World Cup, obviously Tonali's not in the World Cup. Talk, there is, but who's making the talk up? If it's not the player, it's got to be his agent, let's be honest.”

Waddle acknowledged Newcastle’s disappointing season and suggested that players might desire Champions League football. “Maybe these players are thinking, ‘I need to be playing in the top level, I want to be in the Champions League’ - which is a great get out card now that saying, ‘I want to be in the Champions League’,” he said.

He urged the players to be direct about their intentions. “I think if they really want to go, if there's any belief in it, then they should come out and say, ‘I've had a few good years here, I've enjoyed it, but it's time for me to move on’. And it might not be in England - Tonali definitely could be, but Guimaraes, 28/29 now, he could be going somewhere else in Europe.”

Waddle criticized the tendency of players to avoid direct communication by hiding behind agents or media. “I just don't know why players don't come out and say, ‘look, I've enjoyed my time here, but I want to move on’. People respect that. But when you hide behind your agent, or you hide behind the media, they should just be man enough and say, ‘let's squash it, I love Newcastle, I'm staying, I'm happy, very happy’, or, ‘I want to get out, I want to be playing in the Champions League, I don't want to be playing where we are in the league, I want to be in the top four or five, and I need to get out’. Then people put their hand up and say, ‘okay, whatever you want to call us, at least I'm honest’.”

Transfer Interest and Player Prospects

Since the winter transfer window, Tonali’s agent has been active in discussions, including reported approaches from Arsenal, who sought to strengthen their squad before the deadline. Tonali, 26, remains open to considering his options as no definitive decisions have been made.

Bruno Guimaraes, after four and a half years and 195 appearances for Newcastle, including a Carabao Cup victory, may be contemplating one final major move and a new challenge elsewhere in Europe.