Newcastle net Anderlecht marksman Aleksandar Mitrovic
Published:
Newcastle United (11/4 with Coral for a top 10 finish) have completed the capture of Anderlecht striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has joined the Magpies on a five-year deal for a reported fee of around £13m.
MITROVIĆ JOINS #NUFC: The full story on Aleksandar Mitrović's switch to Newcastle United http://t.co/TXNpgEeXmL pic.twitter.com/nSZPP7aIEL
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) July 21, 2015
Following the Tyneside team’s £14.5m signing of Dutch attacking midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, the Magpies have made another marquee acquisition in Mitrovic, who has hit 43 in 89 appearances for the Purple and White.
The Serbia sharpshooter, already capped 13 times for his country, came through the ranks at Partizan Belgrade before joining Belgian giants Anderlecht in 2013.
Still just 20, the prolific poacher’s antics in Brussels, including a haul of 27 goals and five assists across all competitions last season, reportedly attracted the attention of Premier League champions Chelsea, as well as Swansea City.
However, it was Newcastle that made their interest concrete and were prepared to fork out the fee for the young-gun, who Arsenal fans will remember for striking and assisting against them at the Emirates in the Champions League last campaign.
Speaking of the switch, Mitrovic said: “There will be pressure here, for sure, but I like pressure. I also know about the famous players who have played for Newcastle United, like Alan Shearer who is a hero of mine. I hope I can play like him for this club. It will be an honour.”
Far from proven at the very top, however, this move by the Magpies is somewhat of a punt, though the Northeast outfit may have been wise to snaffle the striking starlet before his stock rose any further.
New Newcastle boss Steve McClaren has been striving to improve his attacking roster, and fans will surely be excited to see Mitrovic gobble up chances created by fellow new recruit Wijnaldum.
Should McClaren and co continue to see such promising, young and hungry players arrive at St James’ Park, it could be an exciting new era on Tyneside.
The likes of Papiss Cisse and Ayoze Perez should now find themselves under more pressure to perform, and hitman Mitrovic’s ability on the ball as well as strength and set piece prowess should provide the Magpies with something different up top.
See Mitrovic in action for Anderlect here:
