Sky Sports reports that Christian Atsu has agreed personal terms with Newcastle United over a permanent switch from Chelsea. The Ghanian international winger made 32 league appearances as the Magpies secured the Sky Bet Championship league title ahead of Brighton & Hove Albion.
The 25-year-old has certainly been desperate to find a place he can call home for a while now. Over the past few seasons, Atsu has had loan spells at Malaga, AFC Bournemouth, Everton and Vitesse Arnhem, in addition to Newcastle. Since joining Chelsea in 2013, he has failed to make a single first team appearance.
It is believed that a £6.2million fee has been agreed with now Premier League champions Chelsea to make Atsu’s stay at St James’ Park something more longer term. He would score five goals in the promotion campaign, those coming against Rotherham United, Wigan Athletic, Preston North and once each in the home and away clashes with Cardiff City.
The transfer window officially reopens on July 1st, which is when official confirmation of the transfer will go through. The former Porto man has earned 42 caps for the Ghana national team, including six caps in the African Cup of Nations earlier this year.
News of his signing will certainly serve as a great boost for head coach Rafa Benitez. There had been some slight doubt over his stay with the club despite winning promotion. He has since held positive talks with the owner Mike Ashley, who has agreed to back him with the necessary funds to help Newcastle consolidate in the Premier League once again.
