Who is Newcastle United’s new signing, Florian Lejeune?
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Just when whispers of discontent were beginning to emerge of Newcastle United’s summer transfers – or lack of – the Magpies go and announce their second deal of the window.
Following Christian Atsu’s arrival at St James’ Park, the Rafa Benitez’s side have unveiled the £8.5m signing of Florian Lejeune from Spanish outfit Eibar.
But who exactly have the Premier League returnees signed?
Lejeune is a 26-year-old Frenchman, whose primary position is at the heart of the defence.
After starting out at French sides Agde and Istre, he secured his first major move when joining Spaniards Villarreal in 2011.
But after making only five first-team appearances in three years, Lejeune sought first team football elsewhere and moved back to France, with Brest.
After finally earning a starting berth, Lejeune spent 18 months back in his homeland, before joining Segunda Division side Girona.
The centre-half shone for the Albirojos in 2014-15, and such was the 6ft 2in defender’s performances that he earned a surprise move to Manchester City two summers ago.
He was immediately loaned back to Girona, where another starring year saw him help lift the side rise from 17th in January to seventh by the season’s end.
Those performances saw Eibar quickly take him off Man City’s hands for £1.2m last summer, and he quickly repaid the La Liga minnows.
Once again punching above their weight, Lejeune made 33 starts as Eibar spent the majority of the campaign in the top half, eventually finishing in a fine eighth.
He was a busy a man last season, making 195 clearances, 104 interceptions and 20 blocks.
And with 66 yellows and three red cars, Newcastle are signing a man who doesn’t mind getting stuck in.
Plus, Lejeune boasts a handy 14 goals so the Magpies will hopefully see a return at the other end of the pitch too.
The Frenchman may have had a somewhat stop-start career so far, but at 26, Lejeune’s best days should be still to come, and Newcastle fans will be hoping that’s to their benefit this season.
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