It would be hard to blame any Newcastle United supporter for being uninspired about the new campaign, especially after all of the exits from St James’ Park this summer.

Eddie Howe, the Magpies’ former manager, handed in his resignation after over five years in the role - with Matthias Jaissle handed the responsibility of leading the club into the next era.

Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon were just two of the high-profile departures from Tyneside this window, as the senior ranks now look somewhat depleted compared to last season.

However, the departure of one player could prove to be the biggest blow, with new boss Jaissle having a huge task on his hands to replace the impact of the departed star.

How Jaissle could replace Bruno at Newcastle in 2026/27

Bruno Guimaraes is a player who constantly handed the Newcastle fans moments to cherish at St James’ Park, but the Brazilian’s stint has come to an abrupt end this summer.

He joined fellow Premier League side Arsenal in a deal worth a reported £75m, subsequently completing a move after a saga which once appeared never-ending.

Despite losing a whole host of key squad members this summer, the Newcastle hierarchy have already invested over £120m worth of funds into the squad to potentially soften the blow.

Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba have both arrived to improve the midfield department, but both players are aged under 22 and will need time to adapt to the demands of the Premier League.

Academy graduate Lewis Miley has been highlighted as a player who could well fill the void left by the Brazilian star - even being touted as the club’s next captain.

The youngster massively struggled with injuries during the second half of last season, but he’s so far endured an injury-free pre-season and could well be Jaissle’s main midfield option.

Joe Willock remains injured, but is also touted with a move to Turkey this summer, which could see the Magpies board cash in the Englishman to avoid losing him for free in 12 months time.

How Jaissle can land a Bruno-level signing this summer

With just 10 days remaining in the summer transfer window, the Newcastle hierarchy will have to work rapidly if they are to further bolster the senior ranks ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Liam Delap has emerged as a shock transfer target over recent days, with the Chelsea star linked with a £40m switch to join Jaissle’s men - with Nottingham Forest and Leeds United also interested.

However, the defensive department could also be bolstered in the weeks ahead, as Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Edmond Tapsoba has become the latest player touted with a transfer.

It’s been reported by TEAMtalk that the Magpies have been in talks with the Bundesliga side over the possibility of securing a late deal for the Burkina Faso international.

However, competition for his signature appears to be tough at present, with fellow Premier League side Manchester United also said to be keen on a deal for the 27-year-old.

Any deal could prove to be an excellent piece of business for any of the interested parties, as the centre-back could be available for around the £42m mark in the days ahead.

He may be an unknown quantity to many Magpies supporters at present, but the defender is a player who could emulate Guimaraes impact on Tyneside upon any move.

Tapsoba may operate in a different position to the Brazilian star, but he could be an instant hit after starring in one of Europe’s top-five leagues on a regular basis.

His stats from last season in Germany’s top-flight showcase his quality, with many of which ranking him highly compared to other players in his position across the continent.

The centre-back completed 91% of the passes he attempted last term, with his subsequent tally ranking him in the top 15% of all other defenders in Europe.

Such numbers showcase his tremendous ability to play out from the back - a component which is set to be vital in Jaissle’s philosophy at St James’ Park this season.

However, without the ball, Tapsoba was just as impressive, as seen by his tally of 2.5 aerials won per 90 - a figure higher than any other player within the Magpies’ senior ranks.

The Leverkusen star also managed to make a staggering 5.4 ball recoveries per 90 - ranking him above 94% of players in his position and backing up journalist Antonio Mango's claims that he's a "monster".

It’s clear that Jaissle still wants added reinforcements at Newcastle before the window closes, with Tapsoba just one player who looks to be a top target.

£42m for a player of his immediate quality could prove to be a phenomenal piece of business, especially if he can get anywhere near the levels of Guimaraes during his own time on Tyneside.