‘Wonderful’ – Newcastle United new signing unveiled as midfielder pictured at St James’ Park
Jordan Cronin
3 – 4 minutes
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Turkish teenager Baran Yildiz has confirmed his move to Newcastle United.
Genclerbirligi, the club Yildiz has joined Newcastle from, announced the transfer in February. The 18-year-old has twice appeared for the under-18s and claimed an assist on his debut in a 4-1 win against Stoke City.
And after this week posing for official photos at St James’ Park, Yildiz and his representatives have reacted to the move on social media.
“I am very happy that I have stepped into the Premier League,” Yildiz wrote on Instagram. “The biggest league in the world, where I have been following my dream for years, with a wonderful club with roots and traditions like Newcastle United.
“I would like to thank my family, my teachers and my manager, my brother Batu Kaplan, our lawyer Anil Dincer, my brother Riza Koklu who have contributed greatly to making this dream of mine come true.
“This is a start and no one should doubt that I will work hard and represent my country and our flag the best way I can.”
Yildiz is understood to have signed a contract until the summer of 2029. He becomes the first player to move from Turkey’s under-19s Regional Amateur League to the Premier League.
Batu Kaplan, head scout at Kasimpasa who supported Yildiz during the deal, said: “For years, we’ve been part of the stories of Africa’s talented sons in Europe.
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“For the first time, I’m sharing in the dream of a TURKISH footballer brother. The first TURKISH footballer to transfer from the Regional Amateur League u19 to the Premier League with an amateur licence, BARAN YILDIZ, congratulations on joining Newcastle United.”
His lawyer, Anil Dincer: “Our client Baran Yildiz has transferred to Newcastle United, a brilliant success story that will inspire Turkish youth. Hopefully, more Turkish youngsters will transfer to Europe and achieve great successes. We will do everything we can for them.”
Newcastle United scouting Europe for top young talent
Paul Mitchell was appointed as Newcastle’s sporting director last summer and although he is yet to make a major signing at first-team level, the former Monaco chief has been busy identifying young players with high potential.
Speaking about the importance of signing young talent, Mitchell said: “Scouting and recruiting emerging talent is an essential part of building a sustainable future, particularly within the current PSR framework, so the market is fiercely competitive.
“We continue to scout extensively, both domestically and overseas, with a view to securing players who can come through our talent pathway and, ideally, become part of the first team in future.”
