Newcastle United have announced the signing of French full-back Mathieu Debuchy from Lille.
Newcastle were tracking the defender since last season and finally they have got their man for a transfer fee reported to be around £5 million. The 27-year-old has signed a five-and-a-half year contract at the English club and joins the club as Demba Ba departs for Chelsea.
The right-back who has made 12 appearances for France was an integral part of the Lille side that won the Ligue 1 title in 2010-11 season. Incidentally Newcastle United midfielder Yohan Cabaye was part that Lille squad as well.
Debuchy rose to prominence during the Euro 2012 with a wonderful performance against England. He has been a regular in the first team since the arrival of Laurent Blanc at the helm of the national team and is widely accepted as one of the best right-backs in Europe at the moment.
The Frenchman, in his first interview after the deal was officially announced, stated his excitement at the joining a ‘big’ club like Newcastle United and playing the Premier League.
Debuchy was quoted in press:
“It is great to become a Newcastle United player. After many great years at Lille I felt I was ready for a new challenge and cannot wait to play for such a big club, in the best league in the world.
“I hope I can bring something fresh to the team and help us get up to the highest possible placing in the Premier League this season. I will give everything for this club.”
Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew was overjoyed with his new acquisition and believes that the French international will became a crowd favourite very soon.
“We are absolutely delighted to have finally secured the signature of Mathieu.
“It’s no secret we’ve been trailing him for a while now and to have reached this point fills me with great excitement and anticipation in respect of what he will be able to offer the team.
“At the same time it’s a huge relief to actually have him with us now. He is an established top international player and it is a huge coup for this club that we now have him at St James’ Park.
“Mathieu will add real quality to our team, in terms of his ability, character and experience, and I am sure he will quickly become a firm favourite among our fans too.”
Debuchy’s arrival will strengthen a Newcastle defence which has been weakened by injuries. The Frenchman will also provide good attacking thrust going forward. With the ever improving David Santon and Mathieu Debuchy playing as the full-back, Newcastle would look a far more balanced side.
Alan Pardew is expected to sign another striker in this window after Demba Ba left for Chelsea. The Newcastle United manager would hope that his new signings can lift the spirit at the club and would help them to escape from the relegation dog-fight they have entered.
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