French football expert provides Bruno Guimaraes insight that Newcastle United fans will absolutely LOVE

The arrival of Bruno Guimaraes is a potential game-changer for Newcastle United - and the fee they’ve paid could be an absolute steal.

That’s the expert view of French football journalist Lee Davey, whose insight into Guimaraes will only excite Magpies fans even more.

United have agreed a £33million deal with Lyon for the Brazilian midfielder, despite interest from a number of top European clubs.

The 24-year-old is in the process of completing his move to St James’ Park ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.

Should a deal, as expected, be completed, Guimaraes will become the sixth Brazilian to represent Newcastle.

How do you sum up Bruno Guimaraes’ two years at Lyon?

LD: “He’s had a very good couple of years in what has been an underperforming and uninspiring Lyon side. He adapted very quickly to European football and you could see early on that he had a lot of ability. This season, he has really kicked on and has been Lyon’s best player by some distance. Newcastle are getting themselves a special talent for now and for the future.”

What type of midfielder is Bruno Guimaraes?

LD: “He’s a deep-lying central midfielder but fans should know that he is a player that has so much more to his game than breaking up opposition attacks. He boasts the most tackles in Ligue 1 this season, has around a 90% pass completion rate and has weighed in with six assists so far this campaign. His vision is fantastic and he is technically very sound. Plus, he was the first player to give Marco Verratti a torrid time in a Ligue 1 game for a very long time when Lyon played PSG earlier this month. Make no mistake about it, for the price the club have paid for his services, this could be an absolute steal.”

How big of a coup is this for Newcastle?

LD: “I think this has the potential to be a game-changer. The first big signing of a new era is always a key signing. Not only do I think he will excel at Newcastle but I believe Bruno Guimaraes is the man to unlock the door for other multiple big-name signings to arrive throughout 2022. I think this signing could make moving to Newcastle a much easier decision to make for those who will follow.”

Does Bruno Guimaraes have the qualities required to play Premier League football?

LD: “Absolutely! There’s nothing to fear for him in the Premier League. I believe his stint in France will have him primed for the physical and technical demands of English football. He can show some bite when he needs to and conversely, he can display a real swagger to his game. Technically, he possesses the ability to outclass many of his opponents but he will have to quickly adapt to the change in pace, as he will not get the time to take two-three touches of the ball in the Premier League like he does in France.”

Do you believe he will be a success at Newcastle?

LD: “Definitely. I think the Toon Army will welcome him with open arms and that will help his adaptation. As a statement signing, he will need to hit the ground running as there’s no summer pre-season to embed himself. It’s straight down to business for him and I think that will maybe work in his favour. I’m really looking forward to seeing his evolution at Newcastle and I believe that in time, there will be a few clubs kicking themselves at missing out on him because he is a potential future captain of the Brazil national team.”