Your Newcastle United evening headlines for Monday, July 4.
Jetro Willems interview
Jetro Willems believes his compatriot Sven Botman will be a “good” signing for Newcastle. Speaking exclusively to ChronicleLive, the former Magpies left-back has opened up about his love for the city.
Willems proved a hit with Toon supporters during a brief loan stint that was cruelly cut short by injury in January 2020. He has now backed his fellow Dutchman to produce the good on Tyneside following his £32million move from Lille.
"It's a good signing,” Willems said. “He will help the club, for sure. He had some other options too. That he chose Newcastle says something about the club.
"I liked the city, the fans, the club, everything. It meant a lot. I got the joy back.
"I won trophies at Frankfurt and had a good time, but I had a feeling in Newcastle that really suited me.”
To read the full interview with Ciaran Kelly, click here.
Eight new contracts
Newcastle have announced professional contracts for eight youngsters, one of whom is a new arrival. Michael Ndiweni, Jamie Miley, Kyle Crossley, Harry Barclay, James Huntley, Josh Stewart, and Ellis Stanton have all signed new deals whereas Jordan Hackett has signed from Tottenham Hotspur.
After signing terms with the Toon, Hackett said: "When I was here on trial for the week, I really enjoyed it! The lads have made me feel welcome from the first day I stepped into the building.
"It was a hard decision to move away from London - my mum didn't like it - but you have to do what you have to do to make a career in the game and I think this is the best decision for myself.
"I like Eddie Howe - he's a good manager who knows what he's doing - and he likes younger players. He was a big factor in joining the club because if I do well, he will take a look at me or think about using me."
Mainz boss defends Toon friendly
Mainz manager Bo Svensson has defended the decision to face Newcastle in a pre-season friendly. A section of the Bundesliga side’s supporters have protested against the fixture, which takes place on July 16 in Austria, due to the Magpies’ Saudi-backed ownership.
Svensson cited PIF’s other investments as a reason to justify the match going ahead. He told Bild: “On the one hand, I can understand the arguments,” Svensson told German outlet Bild. “Whenever it comes to football, things become very inflated and become huge issues. How far are we going? Will we also then ban Disney films with our children?”
Read the full story here.
We want to hear your thoughts, so LOG IN and leave your comment below
READ NEXT
Newcastle United's new transfer focus gives hope for future as nine recruits are unveiled
Inside Newcastle United's first pre-season training session as players get to work
Newcastle United transfer news LIVE: Hugo Ekitike bombshell, Moussa Diaby change
The four-point plan to transform Newcastle United's transfer window from good to excellent
