Chris Waddle urges Tonali and Guimaraes to be honest about Newcastle future

Former Newcastle star Chris Waddle has challenged the club's midfield duo, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, to be transparent about their futures. With both players linked to moves to Premier League giants like Arsenal, Manchester United, and Manchester City, Waddle believes it is time for the players to take accountability rather than hiding behind representatives.

Following a disappointing 12th-place finish that saw Newcastle miss out on European football for the 2026/27 campaign, uncertainty surrounding key players has grown. Waddle, speaking on the situation, emphasized that honesty would be respected by supporters and the club alike.

If they really want to go, 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'. 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'. Chris Waddle

For Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, the potential departure of two such influential players would present a significant hurdle. While the club recently generated funds through the sale of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona, replacing the unique qualities that Tonali and Guimaraes provide in the engine room would be an arduous task.

Currently, Bruno Guimaraes is away on international duty, while Tonali continues to weigh his options following reported interest from Arsenal earlier this year. Whether the duo remains at St James' Park or seeks a fresh start elsewhere remains the key question as the summer transfer window approaches.