With all the other news coming out of Newcastle United recently, this is maybe not a story that will make too many headlines.
With July 1st bringing about a new financial year and The Magpies’ Profit and Sustainability concerns needing to be sorted, Newcastle brought in a cool £65 million for young duo Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson.
The former joins Brighton and Hove Albion after a superb loan spell at Feyenoord. Anderson, meanwhile, sealed a move to Nottingham Forest despite the midfielder being very highly regarded at St James’ Park.
There was also a welcome breakthrough in the long-running Dan Ashworth saga. The former Newcastle director is finally set to begin work at Manchester United after months of drawn-out negotiations between the two clubs.
Busy times at Newcastle United
Aaron Epia, then, may not be the first name on the lips of Newcastle supporters today.
But will we one day look back on this day as a superb one in The Magpies’ modern history, presuming teenage defender Epia develops into one of the finest talents in his position?
Epia confirmed earlier on Monday that he would be leaving Everton after seven years at Finch Farm.
“I want to thank all the staff and players at Everton that have helped support my development over the last seven years,” he wrote on Instagram. “I’ve had a great journey.
“It has been a tough decision to decide but I feel like the time has come for me to find a new challenge. I want to wish the club all the best for the future.”
Epia then confirmed, in a follow up post, that his next destination would be St James’ Park.
“Happy to officially sign for Newcastle United,” he writes with the obligatory black and white emojis.
Everton youngster confirms St James’ Park switch
Epia, who can represent England, Nigeria and Poland at international level, has already represented Newcastle at Under 18 level.
He featured twice in the youth Premier League last season during a successful trial, paving the way for the teenager to be offered a scholarship contract by Eddie Howe’s side. Epia impressed against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds United, with a long term stay in the North East his reward.
Epia, meanwhile, is not the only new addition to Newcastle on Monday.
Veteran goalkeeper John Ruddy joins on a one-year deal, presumably to take the place of Loris Karius as Newcastle’s third-choice shot-stopper.
“This is a massive club and it’s a massive opportunity,” Ruddy, once capped by England, tells the Newcastle website. “So I’m really excited to get started.
“It was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down. It’s a huge, huge club which is only going one way and to be a part of that, however big or small, is going to be very pleasing and very exciting.”
Ruddy will provide valuable experience behind the scenes, perhaps in a role similar to Scott Carson at Manchester City and Tom Heaton at Man United.
“I’m pleased to welcome John to Newcastle United,” Howe smiles. “He has a huge amount of experience and adds a level of support and competition that we need.
“As well as his abilities on the pitch, he has a strong mentality and he is a leader, which will only benefit the group. I’m looking forward to him joining us as we prepare for the season ahead.”
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