Newcastle's clever 68-day Bruno Guimaraes play explained as FFP masterstroke confirmed

Eddie Howe has confirmed Bruno Guimaraes' £100m release clause is only active until June 30, 2024 - and here is why that date really matters.

Newcastle United are hopeful of keeping their midfield maestro at St James' Park beyond the summer but speculation persists over interest from European powerhouses such as Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain. Guimaraes recently penned a new, long-term deal with the Magpies with the hefty transfer clause inserted to ensure Newcastle receive fair market value should the Brazilian depart.

However, in just 68 days time, Howe's side can demand any fee they they desire for Guimaraes' services, putting pressure on interested parties to make their move before the Premier League's profit and sustainability [PSR] accounting deadline at the end of June.

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Newcastle's 2022/23 accounts show the club recorded a post-tax loss of £73.4m for the 12 months ending 30 June 2023 but selling Guimaraes before the same date this year would see the Magpies pass their annual PSR duties by a significant amount, while also allowing them to loosen the purse strings in the summer market.

Meanwhile, a potential Premier League rival would have to fork out an enormous sum of money on their 23/24 balance sheet should they wish to sign the 26-year-old before his release clause expires. Newcastle are also said to want Dan Ashworth's replacement in the boardroom secured by the same date, while it is likely some fringe players could leave before July.

Newcastle spent north of £100m on three players last summer, while the £28m fee for Lewis Hall will be added to next year's account when Chelsea receive the permanent fee in July. As for outgoings, only Allan Saint-Maximin has been sold for a significant chunk of money in the last 12 months.

As such, Newcastle's best outlets have been touted with moves elsewhere as PSR strains are felt. Asked directly whether Alexander Isak, Sven Botman or Bruno Guimaraes could be sold in the coming months, Newcastle CEO Darren Eales said back in January: "On any player, at any time, it depends on circumstances. It's difficult to hypothesis but, if we're offered £1bn for one of those players, then no-one could argue against that making sense."

Howe was quizzed over Bruno's release clause at Friday's press conference, saying: “Having that [June 30 deadline] was well planned and structured by the club, in a sense that there is a finish point. We don’t want the constant speculation, I don’t think that’s healthy for the player or for us.”