Vurnon Anita Joins Newcastle from Ajax, Likely To Slide Directly Into Squad For Saturday

There is FINALLY solid information to celebrate from this year's summer transfer window. Following a seemingly eternal negotiation process, Ajax Academy product Vurnon Anita has joined Newcastle United on a 5-year contract. It may, however, have been beneficial to our mental health that the process did take as long as it did- viewed as a natural replacement for Cheik Tiote, our heads would have been exploding anticipating a move away from St. James' Park for the Ivorian. Although there is still plenty of time left in the window, it seems unlikely that Tiote will be leaving at this point with the club seemingly subscribing to a new player recruitment policy of sorts called player retention.

Alan Pardew was predictably thrilled to have the deal done, saying:

"He has come through the Ajax youth system which is world renowned for bringing up players the right way, and I am sure he will fit seamlessly into the squad of players we have here.

"Vurnon has done his pre-season, and indeed already played one competitive game, so he's up to speed and ready to play when I need him." --The Guardian

With the club viewing him as match-ready, it will not be a surprise to see Anita on the bench for the match Saturday v. Spurs at the very least.

You can see an in-studio analysis of Vurnon Anita's game here... in Dutch. The game film is, of course, universal.