Newcastle have made their first January signing. The Magpies have signed midfielder Nabil Bentaleb on loan from Schalke for the rest of the season.
Newcastle United Sign Midfielder Nabil Bentaleb on Loan From Schalke
Newcastle announced via their website they had signed the Algerian midfielder. Bentaleb arrives on loan for the remainder of the season.
Newcastle have the option to buy him in the summer for £8.9 million should his loan spell be successful.
He becomes Steve Bruce’s first January signing as Newcastle look to ensure their Premier League safety.
Bentaleb arrives after a turbulent year at Schalke in which he has been punished by the club for his behaviour and attitude. He spent much of 2019 playing and training with the Schalke youngsters.
Steve Bruce has been looking for reinforcements for his depleted Newcastle team. Injuries have battered Newcastle with many missing with frustrating injuries.
Bentaleb is no stranger to the Premier League having started his career at Tottenham. He impressed but eventually dropped down the pecking order and went to Germany. He excelled with Schalke until the disciplinary issues came to a head.
Newcastle’s game with Everton comes too soon for his debut. The Algerian midfielder could make his Newcastle debut his weekend in the FA Cup 4th round tie against Oxford United.
What Was Said
Speaking to the Newcastle website about his move, Bentaleb said: “I’m very happy to come back to the Premier League, especially with a club such as Newcastle.”
“The project really interested me. I wanted absolutely to come back to the Premier League. The coach had some trust in me and the club also – I saw that straight away – and I think it’s the perfect move for me.”
Manager Steve Bruce added, “He’s somebody who I paid particular attention to when he was at Spurs when he broke through and got a big-money move to Germany.”
“He’s played at the highest level now for the last four or five years, but he will come in hungry and feeling he has something to prove and will give us the competition we obviously need.”
“With the numbers that we’ve got at the minute, he’s got a bit of experience and I think people will enjoy watching him play. He’ll come into the squad and I’m sure he’ll be a good acquisition for us.”
“The fact that he’s played in the Premier League before helps because we know that he can play and knows what the demands of the Premier League are. He’s gone from the Premier League to Schalke and played in the Champions League as well, so we’re delighted to get him. It’s a great signing.”
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