Newcastle have confirmed the signing of Aladji Bamba from Monaco for a fee reported to be in the region of £34million.
The 20-year-old has made just 25 senior appearances but that has not deterred the Tyneside club from spending heavily on his potential.
Bamba, who will wear the number eight shirt vacated by Sandro Tonali following his move to Tottenham, told the club's official website: “I'm very happy to be here – it's a new challenge and I can't wait to get started. I was very excited when I heard Newcastle were interested in signing me.
“I know about the history of the club and I've visited the stadium already, which is amazing. I can't wait to be on the pitch there and hope to have some great times with the fans.
“I'm excited to test myself in a new league, the biggest league in the world. I learned a lot last season and now I feel ready for this new opportunity. I will give my all for this club.â€
Newcastle sticking to new transfer model
Bamba becomes the club's fourth summer signing following the arrivals of Ewen Jaouen, Bazoumana Touré and Sean Steur and maintains their policy of targeting youth.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said: “I'm really pleased to see Aladji become a Newcastle United player. He's another exciting, young signing who we're really looking forward to working with.
“Aladji adds depth and a range of qualities to our midfield options, with huge potential for growth. His development since breaking through at Monaco has been really impressive and something we believe we can help him build on.
“He operates in a deeper role but has the ability to contribute all over the pitch, which he demonstrated in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League last season.â€
Arsenal continue to pursue Guimaraes
Whether Bamba plays alongside Bruno Guimaraes in the coming season remains to be seen.
The Brazil international is a target for Arsenal but the Premier League champions have yet to agree a fee with Newcastle. Arsenal have indicated through intermediaries that they would be willing to pay around £70million for the 28-year-old but the Magpies are asking for significantly more.
Guimaraes is desperate to make the move to North London but was this morning included on the promotional pictures for Newcastle's new away shirt and is expected to join the club's training camp in La Manga next week after his exertions at the World Cup.
