Aladji Bamba signs! - Announcement video, full details and first Newcastle interview
Newcastle United has announced the arrival of their fourth summer signing. Aladji Bamba is a Geordie!
We thought the Sean Steur signing moved quickly, but Newcastle United has outdone themselves with this one.
It has been a little over 24 hours since news broke that Newcastle had agreed a fee with Monaco for 20-year-old defensive midfielder Aladji Bamba, and the club has already officially announced his arrival.
The deal is believed to be worth an initial £30 million rising to £35.5 million with add-ons, according to Keith Downie.
Aladji Bamba speaks after signing for Newcastle
Aladji Bamba arrives as a de facto replacement for Sandro Tonali, although his style of play is very different to that of the Italian, with Bamba much more defensive-minded.
Speaking to the club's official media channel, Bamba said it was very excited once he knew Newcastle were interested.
“I’m very happy to be here – it’s a new challenge and I can’t wait to get started. I was very excited when I heard Newcastle were interested in signing me.
“I know about the history of the club and I’ve visited the stadium already, which is amazing. I can’t wait to be on the pitch there and hope to have some great times with the fans.
“I’m excited to test myself in a new league, the biggest league in the world. I learned a lot last season and now I feel ready for this new opportunity. I will give my all for this club.”
Could Bamba be involved at Gateshead?
We're just speculating here, but the fact that Newcastle have got this one through so quickly could mean he is involved on Saturday when Newcastle take on Gateshead in a pre-season friendly. It may be too soon, though, so we'll have to wait and see.
Bamba has described himself as a box-to-box midfielder, but we expect him to sit much deeper as that seems to be where his strengths lie.
Aladji Bamba is the fourth exciting young talent Newcastle has brought into the squad for the upcoming season as the Magpies' summer of change starts to take shape.
Welcome to Newcastle, Aladji.
