Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle has made his first major transfer demand since taking charge at St James’ Park, urging the club’s hierarchy to move swiftly to secure a replacement for captain Bruno Guimaraes as the Brazilian closes in on a £75 million move to Arsenal.
The 38-year-old German, who was officially confirmed as Eddie Howe’s successor this week on a four-year deal after leading Al-Ahli to consecutive Asian Champions League crowns, has identified midfield reinforcements as his absolute priority. Guimaraes’ impending departure follows the earlier exits of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona and Sandro Tonali to Tottenham, while star striker Alexander Isak moved to Liverpool last year. The upheaval has left the squad in urgent need of experienced reinforcements.
“We need someone who can control the tempo, dictate play, and create chances,” Jaissle is understood to have told club officials. “That’s the difference between picking up points and coming away with nothing. I know what I want, and I know the profile of player that fits this system.”
Newcastle have already been active in the market, completing the £25.7 million signing of Czech Republic international goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek from Braga on a five-year deal. The 24-year-old kept 12 clean sheets in the Primeira Liga last season and registered seven shutouts in the Europa League more than any other goalkeeper in the competition.
“The last few days have been an emotional rollercoaster,” Hornicek told the club’s website. “I know Newcastle is a huge football city, with 52,000 fans at St James’ Park creating an incredible atmosphere and pushing the team every game. I can’t wait to play in front of them.”
SUCIC EMERGES AS KEY TARGET FOR JAISSLE
With time running out and the Premier League season opener against Liverpool looming on August 23, all eyes are now on Jaissle’s pursuit of a new midfield general. Real Sociedad midfielder Luka Sucic has emerged as the frontrunner to fill the void left by Guimaraes.
The 23-year-old Croatia international is understood to be a favourite of Jaissle, who previously worked with Sucic during their time together at Red Bull Salzburg. The pair’s existing understanding could prove invaluable as the German coach looks to implement his high-pressing, Red Bull-educated style at St James’ Park.
“I’ve watched him develop, and he knows exactly what I want because we’ve worked together before,” Jaissle said of the midfielder. “If we can get this deal done, it’s a statement to the rest of the league that we mean business. Those are the signings that keep you competitive.”
SET-PIECE SPECIALIST WITH A DEADLY LEFT FOOT
What makes Sucic particularly appealing to Newcastle is his reputation as a dead-ball specialist. The left-footed midfielder is regarded as most dangerous in the final third of the pitch, and his ability from free-kicks and corners could add a new dimension to the Magpies’ attacking threat.
During his breakout 2021-22 season at Salzburg, Sucic netted 11 goals across all competitions and provided five assists, showcasing the kind of attacking output that has drawn comparisons to his Croatia hero Luka Modric. His set-piece quality has been widely noted, with his FIFA player profile listing “Dead Ball” as one of his standout traits.
Sucic made his breakthrough under Jaissle at Salzburg and has since shone at Real Sociedad, making him an ideal candidate to help the new manager implement his tactical vision. Reports suggest Jaissle has formally requested the signing, viewing the Croatian as the perfect successor to Guimaraes in the heart of Newcastle’s midfield.
OTHER OPTIONS ON THE RADAR
However, Sucic is not the only name on Newcastle’s shortlist. Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha has also been identified as a leading candidate, though he is not yet convinced by the move and Dortmund are reportedly unwilling to listen to offers below €120 million.
Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha is another option, though he is weighing up his alternatives and may return to Portugal with Benfica strongly linked. Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller has also been shortlisted as a potential Guimaraes replacement, with a £30 million release clause that recently expired. Sources have played down links to some of the names that have emerged, raising the possibility that another deal could be close to completion.
Newcastle are expected to prioritise experience to come into the side and have been exploring whether they can find any value in the English market, or whether they must look abroad.
PRESSURE MOUNTS AS SEASON OPENER LOOMS
With the Premier League campaign looming, the pressure is on Jaissle to act decisively. The new boss has already made his position clear to the club’s decision-makers, and football finance experts suggest the Guimaraes sale will significantly strengthen Newcastle’s spending capacity, potentially supporting over £150 million of recruitment when spread across typical player contracts.
The club are understood to have already lined up Guimaraes’ replacement with extensive work done over the last few days as the move to Arsenal progressed and are hopeful of a breakthrough soon to mitigate the loss of another one of their leading players.
Newcastle are yet to comment publicly on the Sucic speculation, but with just weeks remaining before the transfer window slams shut, all eyes will be on St James’ Park to see if Jaissle delivers the reinforcements he is demanding.