Newcastle have completed the signing of attacker Christian Atsu from Chelsea, it was announced on Wednesday afternoon.
The Magpies confirmed on their official website that the 25-year-old has moved to St James’ Park following on from his successful season-long loan spell.
Rafael Benitez’s side exercised an option to buy him permanently and the Ghana international has signed a four-year contract.
CONFIRMED: @ChristianAtsu20 has completed a permanent move to St. James' Park from @ChelseaFC. More at https://t.co/iDkcawZlBb. #NUFC pic.twitter.com/mulUwJaQ1n
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) May 24, 2017
Newcastle originally took Atsu on loan last summer, with a view to a permanent buy, and he has done enough to secure a move.
The pacy winger made 35 appearances across all competitions and helped the north-east club obtain promotion from the Championship as title winners.
He managed to chip in with five goals and three assists, with his best form coming at the back-end of the season to get the Magpies over the line for promotion.
Atsu leaves Stamford Bridge behind after a difficult four-year spell with Chelsea and has finally found a new home following his permanent move.
The tricky attacker had been loaned out four times before he joined Newcastle and failed to ever make a single appearance for Chelsea.
However, he will get a fresh crack at the Premier League next season and will hope to force his way into Benitez’s starting line-up.
Newcastle are expected to bolster their squad ahead of a return to the top flight and the capture of Atsu could be the first of many during the summer.