In the January of 2022 Newcastle United commenced their first ever transfer window under the new Saudi ownership. Much was anticipated from the owners and the club, but with the team languishing in the relegation zone hopes were tempered that the Magpies would not be able to attract the highest quality players.

They did.

Bruno Guimaraes was at the time something of a hot property in Europe, attracting attention from many of the biggest clubs at the time and with firm links for a number of Premier League top clubs. And whilst there can be no doubt he would be paid handsomely for his move to Tyneside, his comments on the 'project' that he expected the club to go on, and indeed the lack of a relegation clause in his contract, indicated he wanted to be at the very start of an exciting journey.

At £42m (including add ons) he would also become the most expensive player in the clubs long history. And unofficially the 1,000th to play for the club.

His rise to prominence at Lyon had seen him capped by Brazil having also represented his county at U23 level.