Newcastle Sign Striker Mitrovic

21 July 2015, 10:25 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Newcastle have completed the signing of striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, subject to the player receiving the appropriate visa.

The 20-year-old Serbian international arrives from Anderlecht and has put pen to paper on a five-year deal at St. James' Park.

Mitrovic came through the ranks at Partizan Belgrade before making his debut for their affiliated side Teleoptik.

The summer of 2012 saw the front man sign his first professional contract with Partizan and made his goalscoring bow in a Champions League qualifier against Maltese side Valletta, a competition in which he has gained extensive experience over the past three seasons.

Mitrovic finished the season as Partizan's top goalscorer, helping his team to the Serbian SuperLiga title.

In August 2013, Mitrovic moved to Belgium to join Anderlecht and scored 44 goals in 90 appearances across two seasons at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium.

Speaking of his arrival at Newcastle, he said:
"I am so happy to have signed for Newcastle. I visited the stadium yesterday and it's amazing." 

"I have played in a lot of impressive stadiums in my career but St. James' Park is so big, I can't wait to play my first game here."

"I know how passionate the fans are. This is a club with a very big history and the fans are a big part of that. There will be pressure here, for sure, but I like pressure."

"I also know about the famous players who have played for Newcastle United, like Alan Shearer who is a hero of mine. I hope I can play like him for this club. It will be an honour."

Newcastle head coach Steve McClaren added:
"I think this is a fantastic signing for us. We've fought off a lot of competition to secure a top young talent in Europe."

"Aleksandar is someone who can develop with the team and someone who will help us to get to where we want to go."

"As a Board we have worked hard to make it happen. It's another demonstration that we are wanting to push on."