Newcastle United have confirmed the signing of Japan international striker Yoshinori Muto after he was granted a work permit by the FA.
The Magpies announced a £9.5million deal had been struck with Bundesliga side Mainz for the 26-year-old last week, with the move subject to a Governing Body Endorsement.
The club have now confirmed that Muto has been granted a work permit and confirmed the sealed signing on Twitter on Thursday afternoon.
The striker has penned a four-year deal with the Magpies, becoming their fifth summer signing.
We are delighted to announce that Japan international Yoshinori Muto has completed a move to Newcastle United after he was granted a work permit at a hearing today. #NUFC pic.twitter.com/eB7qAoxtsa
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) August 2, 2018
Muto has signed an initial four-year contract at St. James’ Park after leaving Bundesliga side @1FSVMainz05 and becomes United's fifth signing of the summer.
Read more: https://t.co/ppiWnv1Bzd #NUFC pic.twitter.com/mwqS2bwi7M
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) August 2, 2018
OPINION
After a tough outing in Portugal last night, which saw the Toon go down 4-0 to Braga before Rafa Benitez unleashed a series of scathing criticisms of the Newcastle board, this news will go some way to calming things down again on Tyneside. The signing of Muto may not look like a big move, but the Japan international is a brilliant player, and will no doubt prove the doubters wrong next season. His footballing intelligence is second to none, and his pace will allow him to get in behind defences, providing a big goal threat for the Magpies. To unleash his full potential however the club must secure another striker signing in the coming days, with Muto needing a target man alongside him to really bring out his talents. Whether that comes in the form of West Bromwich Albion striker Salomon Rondon is yet to be seen, but the club certainly need to pick up the pace as deadline day approaches.
