DWIGHT GAYLE has described his £10million move to Newcastle as “a dream come true”.
The English striker has penned a five-year deal to switch from Crystal Palace to St James’ Park.
Gayle is Rafa Benitez’s second summer signing following keeper Matz Sels’ arrival on Wednesday, with Bournemouth winger Matt Ritchie soon set to join them.
And the hitman, 25, said: “It’s a dream come true to be at a big club like this.
“Newcastle has a massive fan base and a great history so it is amazing to be here.
“I can’t wait to get started, prove myself and score the goals that take us back up to the Premier League. It’s where this club belongs.”
Boss Benitez added: “Dwight is a great player, a proven goalscorer, and it is fantastic news that he has joined us.
“He has a big personality, a lot of energy and pace. He is a good finisher also, so he will add goals to our squad, for sure.
“He knows English football well, too, and that is important in the Championship.
“I am sure Dwight will want to prove he can make a big difference to our team and I am looking forward to working with him.”
Related Stories
Moving in the opposite direction is Andros Townsend, with Palace opting to trigger the winger’s relegation release clause.
Newcastle director Lee Charnley admits he’s sad to see Townsend go, but is adamant that Newcastle are a strong side following the capture of Gayle.
He said: “Naturally we are very disappointed to lose Andros but we are bound by the terms of his contract.
“Given our situation in January it was a condition of him joining that we included a buy-out clause.
“However, I am sure now with Rafa as our manager we will not be in a position whereby we will need to agree to clauses of this nature in the future.
“Despite Andros’ departure today, we believe with the signings we have made this week we have strengthened the squad.
“Rafa and I are working very well together and we are confident we are building a squad that will meet our objectives for the season ahead of us.
“Finally, I would like to say Andros was a great professional during his time with us, who gave his all for the Club, and I wish him all the very best.”
Leave a comment