Bruno Guimaraes joined Newcastle United on a four-and-a-half-year deal from Olympique Lyonnais in late-January but has only amassed two minutes of playing time. The 24-year-old is yet to make a start for the Magpies and has only been introduced from the bench by Eddie Howe, but Noel Whelan says ‘his time will come’.
He believes Guimaraes should be patient for his opportunity as he’ll play a big part in Newcastle’s future success. The Brazilian international was a player supporters were very excited about signing, but Newcastle’s fine form means Howe is unlikely to make changes to his side – Joe Willock, Jonjoe Shelvey and Joelinton have been formidable in the engine room of late.
Whelan says the strength in depth will excite fans, even if they haven’t seen much of their marquee signing. He told Football Insider: “It’s massive for the fans to see him in action. They’ve never really had that strength in depth before. Looking at that Newcastle bench, there wasn’t a player who jumped out at you (in the past).
“Guimaraes is bound to be champing at the bit, but he’ll have to watch his teammates and wait for that first real opportunity to make that midfield spot his own. This is going to excite the fans, even if it’s just one player. The fans and Eddie Howe will know they can call on a player to come in who has real quality.”
The 24-year-old made 71 appearances in all competitions for Lyon before his departure last month, scoring three goals with eight assists. He was terrific servant in his two years at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais and looks an exciting talent from online highlight reels.
Whelan concedes that Howe has to stick with the players that have played their part in Newcastle winning three and drawing two of their last five games, so Guimaraes will need to be patient. He added: “It’s a great position for Howe to be in at the moment – you just can’t change a winning side.
“I’m sure that he’s more than happy they’re out of that bottom three. They’ve got a huge chance of staying up and his time will come. He can be a massive part of that side for years to come.”
In other news, Chris Sutton says Allan Saint-Maximin is ‘incredible’ and a ‘different’ level
