OFFICIAL: Newcastle sign €50m Bruno Guimaraes
Robin Bairner
- 30 Jan 2022 16:11 GMT
- 3 min read
Newcastle have completed the signing of Bruno Guimaraes from Lyon for a reported value of €50.5 million (£42m), of which an estimated €8m is tied to bonus payments.
The Brazil international midfielder had previously caught the eye of Arsenal, but the St James’ Park side were able to offer a more substantial wage packet, which the London outfit were not willing to match.
It is thought that Bruno Guimaraes will earn around €225,000 per week (£190,000) in the north east.
🇧🇷 𝗕𝗥𝗨𝗡𝗢 🇧🇷
Newcastle United are thrilled to announce the signing of Bruno Guimarães from Olympique Lyonnais on a four-and-a-half year deal.
Bem vindo, @brunoog97!
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) January 30, 2022
Mewcastle manager Eddie Howe said of the signing: "Bruno is a hugely exciting talent and has been one of our primary targets so I'm delighted to secure him. He strengthens the group immediately ready for the challenge ahead.
"He has been one of the standout performers in France and is a full international for Brazil so I have no doubt our supporters will really enjoy watching him. We look forward to welcoming him to the club on his return from international duty."
Guimaraes becomes Newcastle’s third major acquisition of the January transfer window, following successful moves for Atletico Madrid and England right-back Kieran Trippier and striker Chris Wood from relegation rivals Burnley.
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If all the bonuses tied to the move are met, Guimaraes will become Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever, eclipsing the €44m (£40m) deal for Joelinton from Hoffenheim in 2019.
Bruno’s rise to the top
Bruno Guimaraes has been a star performer for Lyon in Ligue 1 this season, mixing combative defensive work with a strong ability to transition the ball forward that has seen him chalk up six assists in 25 appearances in all competitions.
He initially joined OL from Atletico Paranaense for around €20m in January 2020 and went on to impress as the French club reached the semi-finals of the Champions League later that year, notably knocking out Manchester City along the way.
While Lyon would like to have retained the South American until the summer, their complicated financial position and Newcastle’s healthy offer – FootballTransfers values Bruno Guimaraes at €20m – has compelled them to make a sale immediately.
This attracted the attention of Arsenal early in the transfer window, but despite the Gunners going public with their desire to sign a new central midfielder, he has instead gone to Newcastle.
