Highly rated Northampton forward-cum-winger Ivan Toney became the 4th signing of the transfer window for The Magpies as he completed a switch from Northampton Town today. It is said to be a long term deal, but the fee for the transfer is unannounced at this time.
Newcastle beat Wolves and a host of Championship clubs to the signature of the 19 year old with 60 games and 13 games under his professional belt.
Steve McClaren had hoped to make the exciting 5ft 11in player – who shot to prominence with a spectacular overhead kick against Dagenham last season – his first signing in June yet he finally got his man.
Fast and skilful, Toney is renowned for his jumping ability, has notched goals with his head and will add to the goalscoring threat from corners that McClaren’s men have already demonstrated twice in pre-season.
Ostensibly a centre forward, he can also play on the wing which will give the new Magpies Head Coach extra attacking options although it is potential rather than the finished article that Newcastle have invested in.
Northampton’s Chairman David Cardoza said of the proposed transfer almost a month ago:
‘We have to get the best deal and if there are add-ons and all the other extras, then it means that as Ivan improves over the years, the club will continue to get some income from it. That’s the way it should be.
‘What can we do? It is a massive Premier League club, it is every footballer’s dream to play for a club like that and I hope it happens for Ivan. It would be good for the club, but it would be fantastic for him.'”
He arrives with the blessing of his former club although he will be missed at The Sixfields Stadium, home of The Cobblers, where he has wowed the crowd with electrifying displays.
The signing with its typically long-term deal fits perfectly into Newcastle’s Graham Carr Factory production line of talent which constantly unearths diamonds from the rough.
