Howe not done yet after Newcastle flex financial muscles with Brazilian deal completed

Eddie Howe is relishing the chance to work with Bruno Guimaraes after Newcastle United completed the big-money signing of the midfielder from Lyon.

Links to the Brazil international emerged in the past few weeks, with Arsenal thought to be rivalling the Magpies for his signature. However, it was reported on Saturday that the 24-year-old had passed a Newcastle medical in Belo Horizonte. And now the signing has been confirmed by the north-east outfit.

The fee is €50.1 million, €8 million of which is add-ons, according to The Athletic journalist David Ornstein. The defensive midfielder has inked a four-and-a-half-year deal and joins Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood as Howe’s winter additions.

And the Tynesiders chief has backed the South American to be a hit at St James’ Park.

“Bruno is a hugely exciting talent and has been one of our primary targets so I’m delighted to secure him,” he said. “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 moved to Lyon in January 2020 and has gone on to make 71 appearances in all competitions for the Ligue 1 outfit. He will slot into a Newcastle side battling for top-flight survival.

They sit 18th but are just one point from safety after taking five points from their past three games.

Howe has been charged with the task of keeping the club in the Premier League this term. Beyond then, it is anyone’s guess as to which players might end up wearing black and white.

The Saudi-backed takeover means they can compete with most