Newcastle learn of early Bruno Guimaraes concern as fans are told to lower expectations
Newcastle United supporters have been warned that they may have to lower their hopes over Bruno Guimaraes following the midfielder’s arrival at their training base.
The Magpies announced the deal for the Lyon man on Sunday, with the Brazilian agreeing a four-and-a-half-year contract. The 24-year-old will cost an initial £35million and will wear the number 39 shirt at St James’ Park.
The midfielder was the most expensive of Newcastle’s five January additions and comes with a big reputation.
Indeed, with four caps for Brazil and on the back of an impressive two-year stint at Lyon, much is expected of Guimaraes.
And having arrived on Tyneside on Friday, Guimaraes has now met his new teammates for the first time.
The Magpies will have been hoping to get a sighting of Guimaraes against Everton at St James’ Park on Tuesday.
However, the Daily Express claims Eddie Howe and his staff are concerned that Guimaraes will not be able to have an immediate impact on the team.
The match against the Toffees is another vital game as far as Newcastle’s survival hopes go.
How may look to freshen up his side with a number of his new recruits. Indeed, Matt Targett and Dan Burn could join fellow recent recruits Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood in the starting XI.
Not a likely starter against Everton
However, Guimaraes looks perhaps a likely starter off the bench.
And claims that he may not been quite ready to have an immediate impact is a view backed up by transfer expert Duncan Castles.
Speaking on the Transfer Window podcast, Castles says people at Newcastle believe Guimaraes will take time to settle into English football.
Castles said: “Their biggest spend is on Bruno Guimaraes. They did find a club who was just prepared to take the money and let a player go who they think can make a long-term difference.
Bruno Guimaraes a done deal for Newcastle
Bruno Guimaraes has completed his move from Lyon to Newcastle
“But the brief from within the club is they’re not sure he’ll be able to adapt quick enough to the Premier League this season.
“And what they need are immediate players to come in and improve things.”
Guimaraes featured as a substitute on Wednesday as Brazil defeated Paraguay 4-0 in a World Cup qualifier.
Ligue 1 expert claims Guimaraes can shine
Much will come to light on Tuesday evening when Howe names his side for the clash against Frank Lampard’s men.
Ligue 1 expert Robin Bairner, meanwhile, reckons Guimaraes is a smart signing and he will impress at St James’.
He said: “I think Newcastle are getting a really good player.
“He’s a pretty complete midfielder, who does most of his work defensively. And he’s still capable of using the ball well.
“One of the areas he’s been criticised in the past at Lyon with is his big-game mentality. However, he’s had some good performances on the big stage.
“I’m thinking back to the Champions League game in 2020 against Juventus, particularly. But also more recently he was superb against PSG.”
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