Newcastle United have made Matz Sels their first summer signing.
General view of St James’ Park, which remains an attractive destination
Newcastle United may be in the Championship but their pulling power does not appear to have waned.
Their summer signing drought was ended in style on Wednesday, as sought-after Belgian goalkeeper Matz Sels arrived on Tyneside.
This time last year the 24-year-old was gearing up for the Champions League with Gent, who in the end progressed to the last-16. But he had no problem moving to England’s second tier to play for Newcastle United.
Could other Belgians follow suit?
According to the Chronicle, the Magpies hope to add a centre-half to their ranks this week and there’s one Pro League candidate who’d be ideal.
Bjorn Engels, to whom Everton have paid a particular interest, according to Het Laatste Nieuws, helped Club Brugge to the title last season, with only injury keeping him out of Belgium’s Euro 2016 squad.
In April, former St. James’ Park favourite Philippe Albert gave a ringing endorsement of the 21-year-old, who likens himself to John Stones, telling the same publication: “He is a player with great defensive and offensive qualities – an excellent mentality and professional attitude.
Former Newcastle defender Philippe Albert
“Within the next two or three years he will outgrow Club Brugge and then in four or five years I can see him following Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen.”
Engels, though, remains relatively inexperienced, having played fewer than 70 senior games to date and a Championship move could be the best thing for his development.
Brugge are also heading for the Champions League this coming season, but if Newcastle flutter their eyelashes a little they could be hard to resist.
Benitez means business it seems
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