Newcastle United have finally secured the signing of the French centre-back.
Newcastle United’s latest addition has been speaking to the club’s official website about the reasons for his transfer.
Florian Lejeune had been linked with a move to the Magpies for much of the summer, but Newcastle fans would have been forgiven for wondering if they would ever actually see a deal over the line as it dragged on and on with no resolution.
Newcastle made hard work of it considering the player’s cut-price release clause, yet that does not matter now as the defender is secured and manager Rafa Benitez can turn his attention to other key areas of the squad.
Speaking after his move, the centre-back praised his new boss, explaining how the experienced Spaniard was a key factor in his decision.
“When you have a manager like Rafa Benitez who wants you, you are very happy to come,” Lejeune told nufc.co.uk.
“Since I’ve been in touch with the manager, it was an easy decision for me to come here.”
Benitez’s reputation will also hope when it comes to attracting players to St. James’ Park and so it proved with their latest acquisition.
Lejeune featured 37 times for Eibar last season, scoring one goal and providing one assist in the process. However it is his ability at the opposite end of the field that will be what Benitez is banking on.
Newcastle will not want to merely cling to their top-flight status next season; they will want to kick on after their Championship-winning campaign and finish in the top 10 if possible.
That will require a lot more signings. However Lejeune is a good start.
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