Christian Atsu is set to complete a £6million transfer to Newcastle United, having impressed at St James’ Park whilst on loan from Chelsea.
The 25-year-old Ghana international initially linked up with the Magpies at the end of August last year, when the club also negotiated the option to make the move permanent in the summer. And Rafael Benitez has wasted little time in taking advantage of this clause, with widespread reports suggesting the player will now sign for the club in a £6million deal when the window reopens.
Atsu joined Chelsea from Porto in September 2013 for £3.5million, but like so many who have made similar moves to Stamford Bridge, he has had a number of loan spells in the time since. The midfielder was sent to Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem upon joining the Blues, and also had spells at Everton, Bournemouth and Spanish side Malaga before joining Newcastle.
He has played arguably the best football of his career in the North East, certainly since leaving Lisbon, scoring five goals and assisting three more in 32 appearances as the Magpies clinched an instant return to the Premier League as champions. He also played for his country as they reached the Africa Cup of Nations final, where they lost to eventual winners Cameroon in the semi-final.
