By OkayGoal 
Newcastle United appear to have settled on the direction they want to take following Bruno Guimarães’ move to Arsenal, with Porto midfielder Victor Froholdt now moving to the front of the queue as the club’s preferred replacement.
The Dane has been linked with the Magpies for months, but the latest reports from Portugal and Brazil suggest the club are edging closer to turning that interest into something more concrete.
Record report that Froholdt is the top name on Newcastle’s final shortlist to replace Bruno, while ESPN Brazil have gone further, claiming the club have now switched their full focus to the Dane after previously viewing Botafogo’s Danilo as the leading candidate.
Newcastle United getting closer to a decision on their midfield target
The biggest change is not Newcastle’s interest itself, which has been there for a while. What is new is that the club now appear to have decided where they want to go next.
According to ESPN Brazil, Froholdt has overtaken Danilo in Newcastle’s planning. Record are a little more cautious in their framing, saying the 20-year-old is leading among the final options under consideration rather than being a confirmed number one choice. Either way, the process is clearly moving forward.
There is one important caveat, however. Record stress that Newcastle have not opened negotiations for Froholdt, or for anyone else linked with the role.
The Magpies are still in the decision-making stage before making their first official move, meaning this remains a planning phase rather than an active pursuit at this point.
Why Porto feel comfortable about keeping Victor Froholdt
None of this has changed Porto’s mood. The Portuguese champions still expect Froholdt to be part of Francesco Farioli’s squad this season, a view reportedly shared by André Villas-Boas, the manager himself and the player. Champions League football works firmly in Porto’s favour in this situation.
Froholdt will be playing on Europe’s biggest club stage this season, while Newcastle are currently outside UEFA competition altogether, giving Porto a genuine sporting argument to retain their player even if a lucrative offer arrives.
Porto’s confidence is also underpinned by the structure of Froholdt’s contract. His €85 million (£73.4 million) release clause gives the club plenty of security, knowing that any move can only happen on terms they have already set rather than through prolonged negotiation.
How Newcastle would fund a Victor Froholdt transfer
Record add that Newcastle are expected to reinvest the money received from Bruno Guimarães’ sale, but the club would prefer not to spend the entire €87.5 million fee on a single replacement.
That preference could become a real issue if Newcastle ultimately decide Froholdt, at his release clause valuation, is genuinely the player they want. There are still several weeks left in the transfer window, so plenty can still change before any deal is finalised.
For now, Newcastle appear to have narrowed their search considerably, while Porto wait to see whether this planning stage eventually turns into a formal approach.
Newcastle United Bruno Guimaraes replacement FAQs
Who is Newcastle United’s top target to replace Bruno Guimaraes?
Porto midfielder Victor Froholdt is reported to be the top name on Newcastle United’s shortlist to replace Bruno Guimaraes, having overtaken Botafogo’s Danilo in the club’s plans according to ESPN Brazil.
Have Newcastle United made an official approach for Victor Froholdt?
No. Record report that Newcastle have not opened negotiations for Froholdt or any other target. The club are still in the decision-making stage before making a formal move.
What is Victor Froholdt’s release clause at Porto?
Victor Froholdt has an €85 million (£73.4 million) release clause at Porto, which gives the Portuguese club confidence over retaining the player.
How much did Newcastle United receive for Bruno Guimaraes?
Newcastle United received €87.5 million for the sale of Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal, and the club are expected to reinvest that fee, though they would prefer not to spend the entire amount on a single midfield replacement.
Why might Porto keep Victor Froholdt this summer?
Porto are playing Champions League football this season under Francesco Farioli, while Newcastle are outside UEFA competition altogether. That distinction, combined with the player’s high release clause, gives Porto confidence they can retain Froholdt.
