Bruno Guimaraes dazzles for Lyon, amid reported Newcastle transfer interest

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United transfer target Bruno Guimaraes produced a fantastic display for Lyon against Troyes yesterday.

The 24-year-old was making his 24th appearances of the season in the Ligue clash at Stade de l’Aube.

Lyon ran out 1-0 winners, with Moussa Dembele’s penalty proving to be the difference between the two teams.

The three points for Lyon means the club now sit 10th in the Ligue 1 table.

Lyon had the lion’s share of possession against Troyes, and Guimaraes really helped to dictate the tempo for the visitors.

The Brazilian was extremely tidy on the ball, completing 72/79 (91%) passes in the match. Four of those were ‘key passes’, and he created one big chance which was missed.

He was very available, having 94 touches – only four of his Lyon teammates had more.

He was also pretty hand defensively too, making three clearances, and winning 4/6 duels.

Guimaraes was linked with a move to Newcastle earlier this month, with the Evening Standard claiming the Magpies had joined the hunt along with Everton and Arsenal.

The Magpies have apparently watched the Olympic gold medallist.

The outlet said that some sources in France have claimed Guimaraes is valued at around the £40 million mark.

Newcastle need to consider Bruno Guimaraes transfer as Toon midfield comes in for stick

Newcastle are in clear need of new centre-backs, which should be the primary focus in the coming days.

But Howe also needs to strengthen his midfield, with the likes of Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff and Miguel Almiron all struggling for form right now, and Isaac Hayden injured.

Guimaraes is a player that likes to pull the strings from deep.

He’s great in possession, as evidenced by an 88% pass success rate in Ligue 1 so far (Sofascore BR).

But he is also great at mopping up. Across his 19 league games so far he has made 121 ball recoveries. That’s an impressive average of 6.3 per game.

That kind of trait would be invaluable, for a Newcastle side that clearly have trouble defending leads.