Bruno Guimaraes picked Newcastle over Juventus and Arsenal because he was focused on playing at the World Cup, his agent has revealed.
Alexis Malavolta has outlined how the Italian giants in particular were keen on the Brazilian before his January switch to St James’ Park. But, Newcastle’s “serious” approach gave him the opportunity to leave Lyon well in advance of Qatar 2022.
“There was contact from Juventus,” he confirmed to Tutto Juve.
“The month of January, however, is a short window to enter into negotiations, we couldn't go too long. We had to wait until the middle of the month to see any concrete movements.
“Newcastle arrived, and they got serious. Bruno couldn't wait another six months to decide his future in a World Cup year.”
Arsenal were known to be long-term fans of Guimaraes but did not commit to the deal, during a window in which they failed to sign a first-team player to aid their top-four push.
However, Guimaraes had been keen to move on from Lyon for some time - with most clubs priced out of the deal.
“In 2020, in the first window following the pandemic, we inquired to see if he could leave,” the agent continued.
“Bruno had just arrived at Lyon, he was already interested in Juve, but the hypothesis of a loan with a redemption option was dismissed.
“[Lyon sporting director] Juninho told me that the president would sell him only after an offer of £59million. That was very difficult during a global crisis.”
