A transfer snafu? Record signing from Lyon doesn’t play. Yet Newcastle are doing well

He was wanted by clubs from the top of the English Premier League and could have gone to a club playing in the Champions League. Nevertheless, Bruno Guimaraes moved from Olympique Lyon to Newcastle. At St. James’ Park, however, the Brazilian midfielder did not find a solid position in the line-up.

Nearly £38 million was sent by the new Magpies management to French Lyon for the 24-year-old midfielder. The Rio de Janeiro native has become the second most expensive signing in the history of the team from the north of England.

However, the immediate benefit that Guimaraes was supposed to bring to Eddie Howe’s team has not materialised. In the first half of the season, Newcastle were plagued by (amongst other things) a centre midfield. It was the Brazilian who was supposed to bring stability and a link-up play with the defence.

But the 40-year-old manager is building on other players. The midfield trio of Shelvey – Willock – Joelington is operating. Howe has been playing with a 4-3-3 formation in recent games, leaving no room for a classic defensive midfielder.

Guimaraes has played only 44 minutes in 5 games. His biggest minutes came against Brentford when he played 27 minutes.

However, Newcastle are still getting important points even without the January acquisition. In seven games, he has scored 17 points and hasn’t lost a game. The Magpies are seven points clear of the relegation zone.

Is acclimatisation a problem behind the Brazilian’s low workload? Has the 24-year-old midfielder not adapted to the style and pace of the Premier League? Or are problems with the coach behind it?

source: Transfermarkt, Livesport