Bruno Guimaraes: Pundit ‘amazed’ by Newcastle after expert’s ‘big’ insight on signing
Newcastle United are on the brink of an “amazing” signing in Bruno Guimaraes, according to Kevin Phillips.
The ex-Premier League striker and current South Shields manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, said the 24-year-old’s leadership skills are “a huge bonus”.
This site revealed on 26 January that the Magpies had agreed a £33.5million fee with Lyon for Guimaraes.
Fabrizio Romano updated yesterday (29 January) that the Brazilian midfielder has completed his medical and has put pen to paper on a four-and-a-half year deal.
According to South American football expert Tim Vickery, speaking on Sky Sports (27 January), Guimaraes is a “big character” who you would want in your dressing room.
When asked by Football Insider for his assessment of the latest, Phillips said: “Newcastle lack that so it’s great to hear he’s that type of character.
“When you are scrapping at the bottom of the league you need leaders in the dressing room. You need players who can solve problems on the pitch and off it. You need players who can police things, especially when you are struggling.
“First and foremost, we want to see his qualities on the pitch when he plays. You don’t pay over £30million for someone unless they’re a top player.
“If he’s a leader as well though and is not afraid to voice an opinion then that is a huge bonus. They have been missing that over the last couple of years. A player of that ilk would be amazing.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire has rubbished Newcastle property news as Shearer at centre of £5.8million deal.