Newcastle United have officially announced the signing of Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum from PSV Eindhoven.
Wijnaldum has put pen-to-paper on a five-year deal worth roughly £60,000-a-week, after the two clubs agreed a fee in the region of €20million (£14.5million when converted to sterling). The 24-year-old will become the club’s joint highest earner, alongside Fabricio Coloccini.
The Dutchman was a key part of PSV’s title winning side last season and becomes Steve McClaren’s first signing at St James’ Park. Wijnaldum was watched by scouts from a number of clubs, including PSG, Manchester United and Sunderland, last season but it was Newcastle that proposed the best offer.
Upon signing for the Magpies, Wijnaldum told the club’s official website: “I’m delighted to be a Newcastle United player.”
“I felt the time was right for me to move and the Club have shown they really want me, so I’m very happy to be here.
“There’s a few players here who are from Holland – I know them well and they will help me feel at home in Newcastle.
“I know the Club has a great stadium with great fans. I want to play here as soon as possible – I want to feel the atmosphere and hear the crowd. I cannot wait to get started.”
Steve McClaren also had this to say about his new signing: “This signing is a real statement for the Club. It is a big transfer for a very good player and I am delighted to have Gini here at the Club.
“He has lots of energy and a great tempo to his game. He is very skillful but is also capable of playing box-to-box, and – importantly – he can score goals.
“He is at the right age and the right fit for Newcastle. He is a leader as well and you will see that. He is someone who always wants the ball, can deal with it, and we need that kind of character in the team.”
