Ki Sung-yueng Completes Free Transfer to Newcastle United from Swansea City

Newcastle United have confirmed a deal to sign Ki Sung-yueng on a free transfer, per the club's official website.

South Korea international Ki, who played for Swansea City in the Premier League last season, will officially join the Magpies on July 1, "subject to receiving the appropriate visa."

Keith Downie of Sky Sports confirmed the length of the contract:

Ki is now free to join his new club after South Korea made an early exit from the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. He and his team-mates finished third in Group F but did eliminate Germany after a famous 2-0 win on Wednesday.

Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez welcomed the 29-year-old's arrival, heralding his experience and leadership:

"I'm pleased to welcome Ki to the club. He is a player with lots of Premier League and international experience and it was an easy decision to bring him here. He is the captain of his country, a good character and he will be a good addition to the squad."

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For his part, Ki expressed his enthusiasm about getting to play in front of the Newcastle faithful: "I'm so pleased I can join the club. I was always pleasantly surprised when I came to St. James' Park to play against Newcastle – there is a great atmosphere and the passion from the fans is a great support to the players."

Both Benitez and Ki have the right to feel pleased with a deal representing shrewd business for Newcastle and a wise career move for the player. The Magpies are getting a midfielder cultured on the ball and with a good instinct for threading passes between the lines.

Despite the Swans' relegation from England's top flight last season, Ki still helped himself to a pair of goals and just as many assists. He will add technical quality from deep areas to a side loaded with brawn and athleticism in the middle thanks to Jonjo Shelvey and Mo Diame.

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The presence of Shelvey, a midfielder with similar vision, should help Ki make a quick start to life with the Magpies. His presence gives Benitez valuable depth in the engine room, as well as a playmaker capable of improving the quality of Newcastle's passing with the ability to encourage quicker transitions going forward.