Bruno Guimaraes provides a final opinion on the Alexander Isak transfer issue as Newcastle prepares for their Champions League encounter against Barcelona

According to Bruno Guimaraes, the Newcastle dressing room does not want outstanding players like Alexander Isak to leave the club in the future.

Liverpool sold Isak for a British record of £125 million this summer, marking the club’s first significant departure under Saudi ownership.

The striker’s rationale for leaving was due to concerns about the club’s direction and the speed of project delivery by ownership.

Before the Champions League match against Barcelona, Guimaraes was asked how the club can keep their finest players at St James’ Park. He replied, ‘It’s a valid question. You have financial fair play, and I’m not sure if this has an impact on things because I’m not under the table to observe what was going on. Football is a business.

‘We don’t want to lose our finest players if we want to be successful. We need to develop our squad, and I believe we did so very effectively this summer; we look forward to going again.

I want to win stuff. I’ve never changed my mind, and I still want to make history at this club. We have been in the Champions League twice in the last three years, which is incredible for us. We need to keep it continuing. We have a big job to do here, and I want to be a part of this team.

Guimaraes was speaking for the first time about Isak’s exit. The Brazilian was reported to be among many in the squad unhappy with the Swede’s decision to go on strike, but he stated: “I think football is business.” I believe the club made a choice. He’s gone, and I wish him the best. I’m glad for what we accomplished together.

‘But now is not the time to reflect on the past; it is time to look forward to the future at Newcastle. We have the Barcelona game and are looking forward to it.

Meanwhile, Eddie Howe has challenged his players to prove they are capable of competing in the Champions League.

‘The players must demonstrate that they are competent enough to play at this level and that they are thriving at this level – playing (alone) is insufficient; we require our players to excel,’ he stated. “There are benefits all around in terms of qualifying, which is our main goal. Financial, of course, but also demonstrating the squad that we’re capable of competing.