Newcastle supporters are entering a season of uncertainty. With Eddie Howe as the new owners’ chosen coach from 2021, there have been many ups and downs and a position on the ball island the club has not had for far, far too long. A few weeks before the start of the 2026/27 season, there are more questions than answers.
Eddie Howe is history at Newcastle, like Gordon and Tonali. Matthias Jaissle is on his way in as the new coach, the first thing that will meet him is that captain Bruno Guimaraes will also leave St. James’ Park, on his way to Arsenal. It will be almost an impossible task to replace Guimares, the top candidate is at Schjelderup and Aursnes in Benfica.
Because according to Football-Insider’s sources , Colombian Richard Rios is on the radar at Newcastle, where the club have made a first move as they accelerate their plans to sign a central midfielder. Should a deal be agreed, Rios will arrive at St. James’ Park as a direct replacement for Guimaraes, following an impressive debut season at Benfica.
His “stocks” have increased tenfold in recent seasons after he spent the first years of his career in a relatively anonymous existence in Brazil. This came after his transfer to Benfica in 2025.
Rio, like Andreas Schjelderup, struggled to get into the starting eleven at the start of the season under José Mourinho, but finished it strong and eventually registered 14 goal contributions in 45 games. The 26-year-old Rios has become a leading figure on the Colombian national team, making 37 appearances for his country since his debut in 2023.
Now the next step could be taken in the world’s toughest league – if Newcastle calls.
