By Peter Westwood
Newcastle United have completed their first signing of the summer transfer window with ‘keeper Matz Sels moving to St James’ Park from Belgian club AA Gent.
Heightening fans’ fears that Tim Krul could exit the club, Newcastle have handed Belgian Goalkeeper of the Season winner Sels a five-year contract.
Toon boss Rafa Benitez said: “I am really pleased to welcome Matz to the club. He’s a fantastic goalkeeper and many top clubs have been interested in signing him.
“Obviously we have injuries to Tim Krul and Rob Elliot which could be difficult for us in the first part of the season, so it was important to strengthen in this area to be sure we can make a strong start in the Championship,” Benitez said in conversation with the club’s media department.
Sels kept 15 clean sheets in 48 appearances as a first-teamer for Gent last season and has been on the fringe of the Belgium international team since late 2015, being called up by head coach Marc Wilmots for qualifying matches against Andorra and Israel.
The 24-year-old is yet to make his debut and matter that may change with the Magpies aiming to return to the Premier League.
Sels stated: “I’m very pleased – I’m very happy to be here. In Belgium, Newcastle is a really big club, and that’s why I chose Newcastle.
“As soon as Newcastle showed their interest in me, and I spoke to the coach, Rafa Benitez, it was an easy decision to make.”
United begin their Championship campaign with an away trip to Fulham on Friday 5 August.
