Newcastle United signing Federico Fernandez has revealed the team mate who persuaded the Argentine to make his move to the Premier League club.
The new Magpies centre-back was convinced by Ki Sung-yueng, a team-mate at his previous club Swansea, to join the Tyneisders.
Fernandez, who has won 72 caps for his native country, completed a £6million transfer from the Swans on Deadline Day with manager Rafael Benitez searching for injury cover after a serious knee injury from centre-back Florian Lejeune.
And Fernandez could be in line to make his debut back in South Wales, with the 29-year-old expected to be included in the United squad for their away trips to Premier League new boys Cardiff City.
He said, as quoted by The Chronicle: “I spoke with Ki a lot before I came. He only had good things to say about the club, the city and everyone at Newcastle.
“When I was on my way [to Tyneside on deadline day], he sent me a message telling me he was glad I was joining him. Everything was fine, we have a very good relationship.”
OPINION
With the injury of Florian Lejeune looking long-term, it was essential that Benitez could attract a centre-back in the transfer window and Fernandez will be a useful coup for the Magpies. The defender should have a great opportunity to solidify his spot in the starting line-up ahead of competition with Irish international Ciaran Clark. If Fernandez and Ki manage to feature in the Magpies’ first away clash of the league season, away to Swansea’s fierce rivals Cardiff, they will not face a tougher encounter all season. The defensive options are in short supply and further injuries to any of the back four members in the first team will spell danger to Benitez who cannot afford another loss due to his lack of resources. The Argentine has vast experience for his country and has four year’s experience in the English top flight with Swansea which will be vital for Newcastle, who still maintain the majority of their Championship title-winning squad.
