Newcastle sign Ghana star Atsu permanently

Newcastle (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Ghanaian international midfielder Christian Atsu’s performances for Newcastle United in regaining their Premier League status earned him a permanent move from champions Chelsea on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old — who scored five goals in 32 Championship appearances as the Rafael Benitez-coached Magpies topped the table — signed a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee.

The transfer to Newcastle is subject to Atsu successfully reapplying for a work permit.

“We are happy to sign a good player,” Benitez told the club website.

“He’s shown us that he’s a good professional and someone who is very keen to learn and improve. 

“Christian has been a key part of our promotion campaign and he wants to help us to build something for the future.”

Atsu, capped over 40 times and a member of the Ghana side that reached the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final only to lose on penalties to Ivory Coast, never played a game for Chelsea after joining them for £3.5 million ($4.5m, 4m euros) in 2013 from Portuguese giants Porto.

Instead Chelsea loaned him out to Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem, Everton and Bournemouth as well as Spanish outfit Malaga.