The Magpies were in the mood to celebrate BEFORE a ball was kicked as their new recruit was presented to almost 53,000 fans
Nico Gonzalez of Newcastle United is presented at St James' Park
Newcastle United unveiled £50m star Nico Gonzalez to supporters in front of the biggest crowd since 1976 as the Magpies took their spending to £222m for the summer.
The Spain Under-21 international raised the roof as he walked on to the hallowed turf just hours after passing his medical and signing a long-term deal. Gonzalez was whisked to Newcastle last night via a people carrier after a Toon delegation spent the previous day encamped in the North-West in order to get their man.
A Newcastle statement read: "United are delighted to announce the signing of Spanish midfielder Nico Gonzalez on a long-term deal from Manchester City. The 24-year-old, a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, will wear shirt No 6 and becomes the seventh senior addition to the squad this summer."
The 24-year-old said: said: “I’m really happy to be here at this amazing club. I’ve only heard top words about the club and the city, so I’m really excited to live here and to be part of this project. I love the black and white shirt already and I can’t wait to start wearing it on the pitch for this club.
“I’ve experienced playing at St. James’ Park twice with Manchester City and it was really tough. The atmosphere was amazing and the fans are so passionate. I can’t wait to experience that as a home player.”
His new boss Matthias Jaissle added: I’m very happy to see Nico become a Newcastle United player. He brings serious quality and elite experience in a key area of the pitch.
“Nico is a really strong ball carrier - somebody who can drive the team forward while staying composed under pressure. He also brings discipline defensively, he reads the game well and his physicality makes him well suited to the Premier League.
“Nico is a proven winner who has already played at some huge clubs in Europe’s top leagues, but he’s also still young and hungry to develop further. He is a fantastic addition to our squad.”
Gonzalez will add depth and more experience to an engine room that has seen Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes leave this summer. It prompted concern among some supporters as suitable replacements seemed to come and go - Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Joao Palhinha both eyed by the Magpies - but sporting director Ross Wilson insists that the Magpies got their No 1 target.
"We’ve worked patiently on this transfer for a number of weeks," Wilson said. "This was the one we wanted, and we’re delighted to welcome Nico to Newcastle United this evening. He was an ambitious target but following our discussions, he was so keen to join this club.
"He fits the exact criteria we set for this position and we weren’t prepared to compromise on that. He’s 24 years old, with an abundance of elite experience across Manchester City, FC Porto and Barcelona. He’s already shown his quality in the Premier League, and we’re sure there is more to come here in a black and white shirt."
Matthias Jaissle has now ticked of the defensive midfielder position he felt was vital this season with a forward and defensive cover expected to follow. Newcastle were forced to start Lewis Hall in the Carabao Cup tie tonight after it was confirmed Dan Burn was ruled out until October.
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