Newcastle United have confirmed the signing of DeAndre Yedlin from Tottenham Hotspur.
The 23-year-old joins the Magpies in what is believed to be a £5million fee as the United States international puts pen to paper on a five-year contract.
Yedlin, who has been capped 39 times for the United States, becomes Rafael Benitez’ ninth summer signing as the Geordies aim for an instant return to the Premier League.
And the full-back will be familiar to the surroundings in the North East having made 25 appearances for Sunderland last term.
Excited and honoured - Yedlin
Following his arrival to St James’ Park, Yedlin spoke to NUFCTV. The 23-year-old told he is “excited to have the honour” of playing for Newcastle, and he is hopeful that he “can do great things” for “such a big and historic club.”
The full-back also went on to praise his new manager claiming that he is “excited to learn under Rafa Benitez”, calling the 56-year-old “amazing” and “will help improve” Yedlin.
The known target on an instant return to the Premier League doesn’t seem to faze Yedlin as he “can’t wait to get started.”
Benitez on Yedlin
United had already confirmed the departure of right-back Daryl Janmaat a few hours before the announcement of Yedlin. Bentiez said that Newcastle “have known for a little while of Watford’s interest in Janmaat, so it was important to bring in a replacement immediately.”
Benitez then spoke of the attributes that the 23-year-old will bring to the club. The Toon boss said that Yedlin is “a play who knows English football well” and “has good experience, an attacking mentality, ability and great pace.”
"I think he can do really well for us and will give us good competition on the right." Benitez added.
Yedlin’s improvement at Sunderland bides him well
It’s fair to say that Yedlin enjoyed his time on Wearside and was rated by the majority of the Sunderland fans.
Similar to Janmaat, Yedlin is known for his strength going forward rather than his defensive side. However, when Sam Allardyce transform the Black Cats into a solid defensive unit, that would have no doubt improved Yedlin.
And Yedlin and Benitez will be hopeful that the full-back can carry what he has learnt from the England manager over to Tyneside. But, in the Championship this season, the Magpies are likely to manage possession this season meaning Yedlin may not be tested as much defensively as he was last season. The Championship could be ideal platform for the former Spurs man.
Overall The 23-year-old is an excellent addition with his pace down the right hand, which is something the United States international carries over Janmaat.