Luuk de Jong has completed his loan switch to Newcastle United, and has already revealed his ambition to win a permanent move.
The Holland international, who has seven caps for his country, has endured a miserable time in Germany, where he has been plying his trade for Borussia Monchengladbach for the past 18 months. De Jong has scored just six goals in 46 Bundesliga matches, and he has not started a game since their 2-0 defeat at Stuttgart last April.
Newcastle had expressed an interest in the striker during the summer, and they have now secured a deal which will see him see out the season at St James’ Park. There is also an option to make the transfer permanent during the summer, and the former FC Twente ace, who was prolific in his homeland, admits this is something to strive for.
“Newcastle is a great club and I have a good feeling about it,” said de Jong. “I am really looking forward to playing here. I came here six years ago with my uncle and we were really impressed by the atmosphere, the fans and everything. I’ve now been to the training ground, seen the stadium inside and everything looks pretty good. I am ready to play.
“I know what my qualities are and think I can show them here. Especially with the way Newcastle have of playing, a lot of balls into the box. I’m a typical striker in the box who can get in the right position and score goals but I can also play as a target man and lay balls off to other players. I’ll see what happens this half-year and hopefully I can stay longer.”
The arrival of de Jong, who could make his debut in the Tyne-Wear derby at home to Sunderland on Saturday afternoon, will offer some cheer to the Toon Army in a week in which they have seen favourite Yohan Cabaye depart the club. The French midfielder has completed his move to Paris St Germain, who have paid around £20million.
