Newcastle United have completed the signing of 27-year old right-back Mathieu Debuchy from Lille for an undisclosed fee, according to the
club's official website. The French international has put pen to paper on a five-and-a-half year deal at St James' Park, and will wear the number 26 shirt. Debuchy made more than 230 appearances for Lille during his ten-year spell, and helped them to a league and cup double in 2011. His move to Tyneside will now see him link up with former teammate and close friend Yohan Cabaye. The Frenchman said:
"It is great to become a Newcastle United player. "After many great years at Lille I felt I was ready for a new challenge, and cannot wait to play for such a big club in the best league in the world. "I hope I can bring something fresh to the team and help us get up to the highest possible position in the Premier League this season. "I will give everything for this Club."
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew added:
"We are absolutely delighted to have finally secured the signature of Mathieu. "It's no secret we've been trailing him for some time now and to have reached this point fills me with great excitement and anticipation in respect of what he will be able to offer the team. "At the same time it's a huge relief to actually have him with us now. "He is an established top international player and it is a real coup for this Club that we now have him at St. James' Park. "Mathieu will add real quality to our team, in terms of his ability, character and experience and I am sure he will quickly become a firm favourite among our fans too."
Debuchy becomes Newcastle's first signing of the January transfer window, and will provide the club with added steel at the back as they look to reverse their recent slump toward the relegation zone. Pardew will likely sign at least one more player this transfer window, too, as he seeks a replacement for the recently departed Demba Ba. According to a recent report in the
Metro, the club have opened talks with Marseille about the potential availability of striker Loic Remy.
Newcastle Fans: What do you think of the capture of Mathieu Debuchy? Is he the right player for the Magpies? Who else should Pardew sign? Share your thoughts in the comment section, below.