Newcastle United Make Gael Bigirimana Their Second Signing of the Summer

Last week, Newcastle United completed their second signing of the summer transfer window, adding Coventry City midfielder Gael Bigirimana to go along with Romain Amalfitano.

With Danny Guthrie and Alan Smith on their way out, Newcastle were in need of some midfield depth—especially considering the addition of the Europa League to their schedule next season—and it looks like they've found it with their first two signings.

Aged only 18, the signing of Bigirimana will only really come into fruition later on in his five-year contract; but the Congolese midfielder could still contribute to Alan Pardew's side in 2012-13.

Last season—along with making his professional debut—Bigirimana also won the Championship's Apprentice of the Year award, as he made 26 overall appearances in his breakthrough season.

For only £500,000, Newcastle have themselves yet another great young talent to add to a squad that already includes the likes of Haris Vuckic, Sammy Ameobi and Shane Ferguson—all of whom could see increased roles at the club this coming season.

Given head scout Graham Carr's eye for talent, you can't help but think that Bigirimana has a bright future at Newcastle, even at such an early stage in his career.

Learning behind international-quality midfielders like Cheik Tiote and Yohan Cabaye will only help in his development, as he looks to build a reputation in the Premier League.

Newcastle were already one of the easiest teams in the Premier League to get behind, but Bigirimana's story really is an inspiring one that will make him a popular figure on Tyneside.

According to the BBC, at age 11, Bigirimana simply turned up at Coventry's training ground and asked for a trial—which was unsurprisingly rejected, as players tend to need to be spotted at local clubs before being invited on a trial.

But having seen the pace at which the young boy ran off afterwards, the Coventry staff quickly changed their mind, and on that day added what turned out to be a first-team player here in 2012.

Now making the jump to the Premier League so soon in his career, Bigirimana is going to have his work cut out for him moving forward; but if he can make good of his obvious talent, Newcastle may just have found themselves another gem.