NEWCASTLE UNITED have kicked off their summer strengthening with the permanent capture of winger Christian Atsu.

Atsu, who spent last season on loan at St James’ Park, has signed a four-year deal to complete a £6.2m move from Chelsea.

The Ghana international made a positive impression during his temporary spell on Tyneside and, as expected, Magpies manager Rafael Benitez opted to trigger the clause that was inserted into his initial deal last summer.

 


 

Atsu made 32 league appearances as Newcastle won the Championship title, scoring five goals, and his influence increased as the campaign progressed.

He started the Magpies’ final four matches, scoring against Preston and Cardiff, and will hope to kick on again next term after penning a permanent deal.

The 25-year-old, who is still to secure a new work permit, is far from the finished article, but Benitez knows what he will be getting from him and has clearly concluded he will be a useful full-time addition to the squad.

“We are happy to sign a good player,” said Benitez, who has a budget of around £80m at his disposal this summer. “He’s shows us that he’s a good professional and someone who is very keen to learn and improve.

“Christian has been a key part of our promotion campaign, and he wants to help us to build something for the future.”

Atsu spent most of last season playing on the left-hand side of Newcastle’s midfield, and his return on a full-time basis significantly reduces the likelihood of Yoan Gouffran being offered a new deal.

Gouffran is due to become a free agent at the end of next month, and while he was one of the surprise successes of the promotion campaign, appearing in 39 league games, he is unlikely to be retained.

The same is true of versatile defender Vurnon Anita, who also left Tyneside at the end of the season now knowing what his future would hold.

Anita is also out of contract this summer, and while Benitez praised his versatility and willingness to play through the pain barrier despite picking up an ankle injury in the second half of the season, he is unlikely to be returning to the Magpies fold next term.