As reported by L’Équipe, Bruno Guimarães’ move to Newcastle United took two days longer than expected to complete at the end of the transfer window due to arguments over agents’ fees.
Lyon received an initial €40m bid for the Brazilian midfielder from Newcastle over a week ago but wanted to refuse so as not to restrict Peter Bosz in midfield for the rest of the season. The player, however, soon made it clear he wanted to leave and make the most of a chance that may never have come again with Newcastle quadrupling his salary overnight.
As such, Lyon quickly got the fee they wanted (€50m including bonuses) and negotiations were swiftly completed. An agreement was finalised as soon as last Friday but an announcement was delayed for some time due to major pressure from the player’s agents over commission that had been previously verbally agreed with former sporting director Juninho.