Newcastle splash potential €50.1M to sign Guimaraes from Lyon
Newcastle United continue to flex their newfound financial muscle.
The Magpies signed coveted midfielder Bruno Guimaraes from Lyon on Sunday. Including bonuses, the French club said the transfer could be worth €50.1 million.
"The €8 million in potential bonuses takes into account Newcastle's performance over the next few seasons, in particular its retaining its place in the Premier League, starting this year," Lyon said.
The Ligue 1 side will also retain a 20% sell-on fee.
The Brazilian inked a four-and-a-half-year contract with the Premier League outfit.
"Bruno is a hugely exciting talent and has been one of our primary targets so I'm delighted to secure him," manager Eddie Howe said.
"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."
Arsenal and Juventus were both interested in signing the Brazilian international in the summer, but Newcastle jumped the queue to secure his signature.
Guimaraes, 24, becomes Newcastle's third marquee signing of the January window, following the arrivals of Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood.
Howe suggested earlier this week that more business was likely to be conducted before the transfer window closes Monday as Newcastle aim to avoid relegation. The club sits 18th in the Premier League table after 21 matches.
Adding a dynamic midfield presence has been a priority for the relegation-threatened team this month; Isaac Hayden is dealing with a knee injury and Joelinton, who has relished a new No. 8 role, is playing through a groin issue.
The club was also linked with Georginio Wijnaldum and Yves Bissouma this month.
Guimaraes, who joined Lyon in January 2020 from Brazilian side Athletico Paranaense, should instantly become the midfield lynchpin at St. James' Park. Primarily used as a defensive midfielder, he's equally comfortable initiating the attack by either dribbling through pressure or finding teammates in advanced positions.
The first opportunity for his Newcastle debut will be Feb. 8 against Everton.