Eddie Howe makes £35m Newcastle United January transfer admission

Eddie Howe admits Newcastle United landed themselves a bargain when they signed Bruno Guimaraes for £35million last January.

You’ll not find one person on Tyneside who disagrees with that statement after the Brazilian once again shone as he struck twice during the Magpies’ 5-1 win over Brentford.

The 24-year-old’s opening goal followed from a well-worked corner routine as he headed Kieran Trippier’s cross past David Raya.

Guimaraes then stepped up to put his side 3-1 up with a long-range strike just minutes after Ivan Toney threatened a Bees comeback via the penalty spot.

Top class performances by Guimaraes are becoming the norm and Howe needs no reminding of the special player Newcastle United have on their hands.

“In the current climate, he is absolutely a bargain.” the Magpies head coach said.

“He has had a huge effect on the club and team. And in today’s market that is a relatively modest sum, even though I can’t believe I am saying that.

“No disrespect to anyone I played with, bar maybe Jermain Defoe in his early days was incredible, but there is no one like him.

“Coaching, I have coached some good individuals, but he would be right up there. An incredible talent, an incredible person.

“We love him to bits, enjoying watching him, coaching him and playing a part in his development.”

Guimaraes, alongside Trippier, was Newcastle’s first big statement signing under the owners, who celebrated one year since the takeover on Friday.

The former Lyon midfielder bought into United’s exciting project at a time when relegation to the Championship wasn’t out of the question.

Guimaraes, despite only making 24 appearances for Newcastle, is well on his way to becoming a club legend.

“It is not just the player, but also the person as well,” Howe said.

“I can’t say how good a person he is. He is a pleasure to coach. He is a really positive person, an energiser, someone I love to coach and love to be with.

“I think everyone connected with the club, the players, the supporters all love him.”