Matz Sels joined Newcastle on June 29th from Belgian side Gent.
Matz Sels
Newcastle United goalkeeper Matz Sels has explained why he turned down numerous offers from Premier League clubs in favour of joining the Championship side, as reported by the Shields Gazette.
The 24-year-old Belgian joined the Rafa revolution at St James’ Park in June after completing a £5 million move from Gent. Speaking at a press conference, Sels divulged his reasons for joining the North East outfit:
Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez
“There was also a few teams from the Premier League that was interested, but Newcastle is a really big club. It’s strange that they were relegated, but that’s football. I heard about the interest from Newcastle, had a talk with Rafa Benitez and was convinced of my choice.”
Newcastle are favoured by many to walk away with the Championship this season, after Rafa Benitez has made a succession of impressive signings, and Sels believe the Magpies squad doesn’t belong in England’s second tier, as quoted by the Shields Gazette:
“It’s a team that doesn’t belong in the second division. Normally, it’s always a Premier League team – a top club in the Premier League. I was convinced of my choice.”
After Newcastle’s woeful 2015/16 campaign, Benitez has managed to instil a wave of positivity back into the club, and they are the bookies favourites at 7/4 to win the Championship (SkyBet).
Newcastle United’s Tim Krul has been linked with an exit
The Magpies’ new recruit will be hoping to be a big part of that promotion push, and with Tim Krul’s future far from certain amidst interest from Middlesbrough (Daily Star) and Everton (The Chronicle), Sels will likely head into the new season as Rafa’s number one goalkeeper.
Newcastle kick-off their Championship campaign with a trip to Fulham on Friday night.
Benitez made an immediate impact at Newcastle
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