Newcastle, July 11 (IANS) PSV Eindhoven captain Georginio Wijnaldum on Saturday signed a five-year deal with Newcastle United FC, becoming the English football club’s third most expensive player in history.
The Dutch midfielder signed the deal here after Newcastle agreed to pay 14.7 million pounds, reports mirror.co.uk. Head coach Steve McClaren hailed the deal as a “statement of intent”.
The fee is just short of the club record 16 million pounds paid for Michael Owen and the 15 million pounds for Alan Shearer.
Wijnaldum, 24, expressed his delight at the move and determination to be a hit — despite the big price tag on his shoulders.
Wijnaldum said: “I am delighted to be a Newcastle player. I felt the time was right to move, so I’m happy to be here. I know the club has a great stadium with great fans. I want to play there as soon as possible. I want to feel the atmosphere and hear the crowd. I can’t wait to get started.
“There are a few players here from Holland – I know them and they well make me feel at home in Newcastle.”
Wijnaldum is the fifth Dutch player at Newcastle. He scored 56 goals in 152 games for PSV.
He made his debut for Feyenoord aged just 16.