As revealed by the Chronicle, new signing Ki Sung-Yueng turned down offers from AC Milan, Everton and West Ham in order to complete a move to Newcastle United.
This is great to hear – and quite refreshing too after a few too many windows where Rafa’s ‘missed out’ on several targets.
It not only shows his appreciation for Newcastle United football club, but it also suggests that we must’ve went about our business in the right way too. Free agents aren’t always as easy to secure as they appear, with widespread interest and the potential for big wages, agent or signings on fees tending to be a big factor.
Everton and West Ham may be spending big, but this perhaps shows that we are still a very attractive proposition – especially when we have the pulling power of a certain Rafa Benitez behind us!
Here’s what the Chronicle’s Lee Ryder had to say on his decision to sign for NUFC despite several other offers:
‘Ki Sung-yueng snubbed offers from AC Milan, Everton and West Ham United to join Newcastle on a free transfer.
‘The 29-year-old’s contract situation had attracted interest from a clutch of Premier League clubs as Swansea City’s future in the top flight started to look ominous.
‘Although, Rafa Benitez moved quickly in the aftermath of South Korea’s World Cup exit to make the deal a reality.
‘Ki had left his options open as his contract with Swansea City whittled down to its last few days but once Newcastle made their intentions clear he was quick to sign on the dotted line.
‘Discussions between Ki’s representatives took place on the day of South Korea’s win against Germany and as the 2002 World Cup semi-finalists headed home it soon became obvious that the former Celtic star was set for a new club.
‘Indeed, rumours within the South Korea squad began as they started their journey home as a group but Ki headed in the other direction for a flight the UK.
‘Newcastle completed the deal within 48 hours but worked hard to keep the deal quiet knowing other Premier League rivals were eager to speak to Ki.
‘The formalities of the deal were thrashed out on Thursday before the player underwent a medical on Friday when he was spotted on Tyneside.’
Whilst some may not see Ki as a satisfactory replacement for the Real Sociedad-bound Merino, he seems a very handy signing on a free agent to me. Here’s what he had to say when asked about his reaction to the club’s offer:
“There was no hesitation once I had the first offer from the club.“It was a very quick decision to make because I know this club has ambition.“Everybody knows how big this club is.”
Great to hear. Let’s hope he can be one of many successful signings this summer!
???????? turned down 3 bigger clubs to sign for Newcastle more like the 3 clubs mentioned didn’t really want him and only enquired about his services while Newcastle knowing they have very little to spend pushed the boat out I’m glad he didn’t sign for Everton as we want to break the top 6 Ki is a mid to lower premiership club level and Newcastle fans should be concerned at the level of player they are pushing for
John(Quote)
I agree, John. I know money is tight at Newcastle, but I wonder if Rafa knows what he’s doing or who he REALLY wants in the transfer market. The players he has signed and the ones he’s interested in, are average at best and poor at worst. Salomon Rondon ? We need someone to score goals yet he wants someone who has trouble doing that ! Then there’s his latest capture – Ki Sung Hyeun. Uninspiring to say the least. Sure he’s free, but we should be targeting better quality personnel than this if we are to survive another season in the E.P.L.
He was on the right track with Lucas Perez. He’s proven himself and has an eye for goal. Rafa should have persisted in trying to obtain him. I must say I’m not at all impressed with who we’ve been looking at so far. Hate to say it, but relegation beckons if we don’t get some better players in.
Spectrum(Quote)