‘Excited to start ‘ - Newcastle United’s £1m prodigy secures ‘dream move’ after Euro 2024 heroics
Newcastle United signed Ayoze Perez from Tenerife for just £1million in 2014
Former Newcastle United attacker Ayoze Perez has completed his €4million move to Villareal.
Like Toon teammate and compatriot Joselu, who won the Champions League with Real Madrid last season, Perez is also enjoying an end-of-career resurgence. The Spaniard bagged 11 goals last season to earn a his maiden call-up to the national team.
After scoring on his debut before Euro 2024, Perez made an eye-catching 12-minute cameo appearance against Italy. He enjoyed little game time after that as Spain went on to win the tournament - defeating England in the final.
Many feared Perez’s career had peaked following his Leicester City exit last year. The Foxes paid £30million to lure the forward from Newcastle five years ago - a deal that banked Mike Ashley a tidy profit.
As a relative unknown, Perez joined the Magpies from Tenerife for £1million in 2014 before becoming a Premier League regularly. He went on to become to top goalscorer of the Ashley era - bagged several important strikes - but was blighted by inconsistency.
The Spain international questioned the club’s ambition after joining Leicester, with Steve Bruce brought in as Rafa Benitez’s successor. Perez said at the time: "It was a big factor (Benitez leaving), but also I felt it was time for a change and a new challenge. In this case, Leicester gave me such a great opportunity to come here.
“The ambition of the club and the way they are doing the right things was very important in my decision. Also, as soon as Rafa left the decision was easier. Things could be done better over there at Newcastle, but Leicester have given me the opportunity to do great things hopefully. There is big ambition.
“That is the difference between Leicester and Newcastle. There is big motivation here to keep growing and to get better here at Leicester. I didn't feel they had it at Newcastle. That is why I signed here and made the decision. I am very happy to be part of the family."
Perez now has a chance to shine at Villareal after they triggered his meagre €4million release clause. Posting on Instagram after the move, the 31-year-old shared how he is “excited to start” at his new club.