These days, debate about Bruno is actively encouraged around Newcastle. Ever since the Brazilian playmaker unpacked his bags at St James’ Park in January, his has been a name on everybody’s lips.
There is good reason for that, with a smooth operator considered to be a serious nod towards things to come. He was the marquee addition in a winter window that success-starved locals had been crying out for, with a £35 million transfer proving that funds are now very much available.
More should be invested before a summer deadline passes, with expectations beginning to soar to heights not witnessed since the heady days of Kevin Keegan and Co in the 1990s. Heading into 2022-23, football tips are leaning back in Newcastle’s favour as a course towards European qualification is plotted.
How crazy is to think that it was my first season here! It’s even crazier to think that it was only 4 months!Thanks to all the fans for making me feel at home from the first game here! It was just the beginning!The future promises a lot of good things.See you soon @NUFC fans ?? pic.twitter.com/YVllSvADIA
— Bruno Guimarães (@brunoog97) May 22, 2022
Talking the talk and walking the walk are two different matters entirely, but the Magpies are looking to spread collective wings once more as the likes of Bruno Guimaraes complete an unclipping process that many before them have failed to master.
Consistency that once felt so elusive is now threatening to fall within reach as Eddie Howe strengthens bonds between pitch and terraces that have been anything but united at times. Nobody is getting carried away just yet, but is difficult to keep those emotions under wraps.
At this stage, before a ball is kicked in anger, anything is possible and hope will spring eternal. If a few more shrewd additions can be made before the end of August, then potential really could be turned into something more tangible.
Belief
Bruno will be among those hoping that more proven pedigree is drafted in alongside him, although he has already shown himself to be capable of raising the standards of those around him. He has revelled in the role of big-money talisman, but will also be more than happy to share that burden.
The expectation is that there is more to come from the enigmatic Brazil international, with five goals and an assist recorded through 17 appearances last season as feet were found in new surroundings. With those now safely under the table, it is exciting to think about what he could produce.
We ?? talk about Bruno! ?
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) March 10, 2022
[1-2]#SOUNEW // #NUFC pic.twitter.com/MK226xOOlI
Premier League football is no longer an unknown quantity, while plenty of familiar faces will remain alongside him regardless of how hard Howe gets to hit a recruitment chequebook over the coming weeks. He has embraced what life in the North East is all about, with passion in the stands once again starting to rub off on those that take to the field.
It has been a team effort to this point, with any relegation fears eased in some style during a final flourish in 2021-22. A sprinkling of individual magic dust is, however, required in order for the best to separate from the rest. Bruno has shown that he can make magic happen and talk of his exploits will remain a topic of discussion that is very much allowed on Tyneside for the foreseeable future.