Henri Saivet to Newcastle: Latest Transfer Details, Reaction and More

Newcastle United have completed the signing of Bordeaux midfielder Henri Saivet for a reported fee in the region of €6 million (£4.5 million), the club has confirmed, also revealing that the player has signed on a five-and-a-half year contract.  

According to Get French Football News, Bordeaux manager Willy Sagnol could not hide his frustration at the loss of the 25-year-old: "For me, Saivet was our most important player in the last six months. Henri Saivet wanted to leave the club and was looking for another challenge. He has been here for a long time. I gave my agreement for the departure of Saivet."

The Senegal international is the latest Ligue 1 import to join the Magpies' ranks, with the club having invested heavily in players from the French top flight in recent years.

Saivet started for Bordeaux in 26 of his 27 total appearances for the club this season, and he'll be expected to jostle alongside the likes of Moussa Sissoko and Jack Colback for a place in Newcastle's midfield.

Manager Steve McClaren will hope his newest acquisition can help guide the club from their relegation-threatened position and into safer territory.

The player has, in the past, lined up out wide for Bordeaux, but Yahoo writer Kristan Heneage recently insisted the player has coped well in a more central role under Sagnol:

Saivet's main priority will be to stem the flow of goals being leaked at St. James' Park this season after Newcastle conceded 35 goals in their first 20 games of the campaign—the third-highest total of any club.

According to WhoScored.com, Saivet left Bordeaux as one of the French outfit's best defensive assets, averaging a high of 3.8 tackles per game despite playing more minutes of the league campaign than any other player (1,560).