Georginio Wijnaldum to Newcastle: Latest Transfer Details, Comments, Reaction

Newcastle United have finalised the signing of midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum from PSV Eindhoven on a five-year deal.

The club confirmed the transfer on their official website on Saturday, with the Netherlands international becoming the third-most expensive acquisition in their history behind Michael Owen and Alan Shearer.

In an accompanying statement, the 24-year-old star revealed he was excited at the prospect of plying his trade in the Premier League:

"

I felt the time was right for me to move and the Club have shown they really want me, so I'm very happy to be here.

There's a few players here who are from Holland - I know them well and they will help me feel at home in Newcastle.

I know the Club has a great stadium with great fans. I want to play here as soon as possible - I want to feel the atmosphere and hear the crowd. I cannot wait to get started.

"

Pavel Golovkin/Associated Press

Wijnaldum is the first signing made under new Magpies boss Steve McClaren, and in the same article, he hailed the acquisition as a major coup for the north-east team:

"

This signing is a real statement for the Club. It is a big transfer for a very good player and I am delighted to have Gini here at the Club.

He has lots of energy and a great tempo to his game. He is very skillful but is also capable of playing box-to-box, and - importantly - he can score goals.

He is at the right age and the right fit for Newcastle. He is a leader as well and you will see that. He is someone who always wants the ball, can deal with it, and we need that kind of character in the team.

"

Mark Runnacles/Getty Images

While Memphis Depay, now of Manchester United, was the man hogging most of the headlines at the forefront of a vibrant young PSV side last season, Wijnaldum was equally important to their title tilt. He’s an adaptable talent and, as noted by McClaren, possesses both intricacy and industry at the heart of midfield.

Simon Bird of the Daily Mirror thinks the club’s summer spending spree can’t stop with the Dutchman, though:

Indeed, Newcastle endured a torrid end to last season, avoiding relegation on the final day. The players involved in the team turned in some tepid displays in the iconic black-and-white jersey, while a backdrop of supporter unrest turned St. James’ Park, which usually conjures one of the most effusive atmospheres around, into a cauldron of invective.

But these are the types of signings that will lift the malaise that’s engulfed the Tyneside outfit. Wijnaldum comes with a glittering reputation and potential to grow into one of the top midfielders in the Premier League; here’s hoping he can help expedite a turnaround in fortunes for this sleeping giant of a football club.