Newcastle striker Wilson: Guimaraes without question the signing of the season | OneFootball

Newcastle striker Callum Wilson has declared Bruno Guimaraes the signing of the season.

The 24-year-old Brazilian was recruited from Lyon for a fee in the region of £35million late on in the January transfer window.

Having signed a four-and-a-half year deal, Guimaraes immediately lit up the Magpies' midfield with his samba skills and, from the 11 games he subsequently started, his new club won seven of them. He also contributed five goals.

Wilson said on the latest episode of the BBC's Footballer's Football Podcast: "The best new signing - and it cannot be questioned - is Bruno Guimaraes for Newcastle.

"Honestly this guy has come in, he is an absolute baller. He come in in January in a relegation battle.

"However much it was, he had interest from bigger clubs and, to take the gamble to come to a team that could've been in the Championship next season, his international career could've been on the line. I take my hat off to him.

"I think next season he's going to be someone to watch out for. He's a talent and still has time on his side. Next season, I think he'll be balling out and hopefully providing some assists for me."

Wilson added that Guimaraes, who has six caps for his country to his name and one goal, is fantastic to watch up close during training sessions. "He's good and in small areas is where he comes alive," the Magpies' number nine enthused.

"You can tell he's Brazilian in the way he manipulates the ball in tight situations and helps himself out. He's got an eye for a pass and a half-decent finish as well. I don't want to put pressure on him but he's settled in well and he'll have a good Newcastle career."