Newcastle United climbed further clear of the bottom three at the weekend as they beat Aston Villa 1-0 in the Premier League.
The Magpies have now won all of their last three games in the division, having won just one of the previous 20 outings this season.
Their resurgence has come off the back of the January transfer window as PIF went about improving Eddie Howe’s squad.
One of the signing last month is yet to start a match in the top-flight for the Magpies after coming back from international duty, but has come off the bench twice – Bruno Guimaraes.
Was Bruno the best signing of the window?
Yes
No
The midfielder signed from Ligue 1 side Lyon and has played two minutes of Premier League football outside of injury time, creating one big chance and winning 75% of his duels in that time. This is a glimpse into what he could produce for the club as his form in France suggests that he will be a huge addition to the team.
Upon the Brazilian’s arrival at St. James’ Park, Howe said: “Bruno is a hugely exciting talent and has been one of our primary targets so I’m delighted to secure him. He strengthens the group immediately ready for the challenge ahead.
“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.”
PIF sealed a dream deal by bringing him to Tyneside as they have picked him up at a terrific point in his career. As per Transfermarkt, his market value has skyrocketed 1400% since 2019 – going from £1.8m in February of that year to his current valuation of £27m at Newcastle.
This shows that they have picked up a player who is on the rise and has potential, rather than spending big money on someone with no resale value or much scope for improvement beyond their current state. At the age of 24, he could have plenty of development left in him and this means that he could be an excellent investment by PIF, both in terms of what he could grow into on the pitch and how much he could be worth in two or three years.
In Ligue 1 this term, he averaged a brilliant SofaScore rating of 7.30. He averaged 3.6 tackles and interceptions and 1.8 key passes per game, showing the level of influence he is capable of having at both ends of the pitch.
Of course, he has to prove that he can do it on a consistent basis in the Premier League for Newcastle, but all the evidence indicates that PIF sealed a dream deal by striking an agreement with Lyon in January.
AND in other news, Huge blow: Howe facing major NUFC setback as big news emerges, fans will be devastated…