Newcastle complete Bruno Guimaraes transfer after sealing club-record £43m move for Lyon midfielder

NEWCASTLE UNITED have completed the signing of Bruno Guimaraes from French giants Lyon.

Magpies chief Eddie Howe identified the Brazilian as an option to beef up his midfield before the transfer window opened on January 1.

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And a club record fee of £43million has seen Howe land the 24-year-old defensive midfielder, who has inked a four-and-a-half-year deal at St James' Park.

A club statement read: "Newcastle United are delighted to confirm the signing of Brazil international Bruno Guimaraes on a four-and-a-half-year deal.

"The 24-year-old midfielder joins the Magpies for an undisclosed fee from Lyon, where he has been one of the outstanding performers in Ligue 1 over the past two seasons, and will wear shirt number 39 - the number of the taxi once driven by his father."

Howe believes the signing of Guimaraes - whose transfer is the most expensive January move in Ligue 1 history - has strengthened his side for the remainder of their relegation dog fight.

He said: "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."

The Toon Army were quick to comment on the signing of the Brazil international, with one saying: "Sensational news."

Another said: "What a f***ing signing, incredible."

And another said: "He’s here and he’s perfect."

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One merely said: "Howay!!"

Guimaraes joined Lyon from Brazilian outfit Athletico Paranaense in January 2020 and went on to make 71 appearances for the Ligue 1 side, scoring three goals and providing eight assists.

Newcastle will resume their bid to stay in the Premier League a week on Tuesday, welcoming Frank Lampard's Everton to St James' Park.

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