Shearer ‘gets’ Guimaraes exit as £75m Arsenal switch nears, calling Newcastle a very different club to 12–18 months ago

Alan Shearer has said he understands Bruno Guimaraes‘ desire to leave Newcastle United this summer and insists the Magpies are ‘a very different football club to the one 12-18 months ago’.

Guimaraes is set to complete his £75m transfer toArsenal this weekend after undergoing a medical with the Premier League champions this week.

The 28-year-old had told Newcastle that he wished to leave for London, following an approach from the Gunners. His exit will follow the sales of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali, alongside the departure of head coach Eddie Howe.

Guimaraes was arguably the first big signing of Newcastle’s Saudi-backed regime, after arriving from Lyon in a £40m deal in 2022. He captained Newcastle to League Cup success in 2025, the club’s first major domestic trophy in 70 years, and twice helped the Magpies to Champions League qualification.

Shearer, who scored a club-record 206 goals for Newcastle, expressed his disappointment at Guimaraes’ departure, having seen the midfielder ‘produce magical moments’ for the club.

However, Shearer admitted he understands the decision to leave St James’ Park and challenge for the biggest trophies, with Newcastle undergoing a period of transition this summer.

“‘He’s going to the champions’ – Shearer accepts Bruno’s move, calling Newcastle ‘a very different football club'”

“As a fan I’m disappointed because I’ve seen him produce magical moments. I’ve seen how brilliant he is,” Shearer said toBetfair.

“I’ve seen how he can make a difference to the team and I’ve seen him kiss the badge. I’ve seen him being made captain and I’ve seen him say how much he loves the football club.

“As a professional who works in the game I totally get it. I understand how football works. He’s 29 in a couple of months – he’s going to the [Premier League] champions and he’s seen his manager leave. He’s seen Isak, Gordon and Tonali leave. It’s a very different football club to the one 12-18 months ago.”