Kevin Keegan has made his first move of the summer, as Newcastle United announced they have completed the signing of an Argentine winger.
Jonas Gutierrez has sealed a switch to St James’ Park from Spanish side Real Mallorca on a five-year-deal. The 24-year-old, who helped Mallorca to UEFA Cup qualification last season, has signed for an undisclosed fee, although this is thought to be around £9million.
Gutierrez was being tracked by a host of English clubs, including Tottenham and Portsmouth, but Keegan beat them to the punch, telling the Magpies official website:
Jonas is a wonderful signing for us. I know a lot of other clubs have been interested in him. He’ll be a terrific addition to the squad.
He’s an exciting player and I’m sure our fans will enjoy watching him.
The Argentine international, who made his debut against France in 2007, could not hide his delight as he spoke about the move:
I cannot tell you how excited I am to be joining Newcastle United.
The Premier League is a great place to play and I cannot wait to meet my new team-mates and prove myself to the Newcastle United fans.
Are Newcastle fans as overjoyed as Keegan and Gutierrez about his arrival? He did help an unfancied Mallorca side to seventh in La Liga, can he do the same at Newcastle?