Midfielder ‘wants to stay’ at Newcastle United after rejecting many offers from clubs

Newcastle United youngster Baran Yildiz is fully committed to life at St James’ Park following his move from Genclerbirligi.

Bolstering the academy ranks has become a key strategy for the Magpies since the Saudi-backed takeover. Newcastle have added to their scouting setup, with Paul Mitchell overseeing recruitment as sporting director.

The likes of Garanag Kuol and Alex Murphy joined - with Yankuba Minteh the most notable arrival. Despite never donning the black-and-white stripes, the Gambian was sold for a tidy £26million profit.

The aim is to develop talent for the first team but, if that does not happen, flipping them for a profit can become a long-term PSR strategy. Yildiz is the next cab off the rank after joining for a nominal fee earlier this year from the Turkish second tier.

Baran Yildiz could not believe Newcastle United rumours

Speaking to Fanatik, the prospect opened up about being sworn to secrecy as he rejected offers to join the Magpies. Yildiz said: “The transfer process was very sudden for me as well. My agent managed the whole process. Depending on my performance at Newcastle, there are options to take me to the first team or send me on loan.

“Everything depends on my performance. They explained everything to us in the presentation they made. Basaksehir from Turkey really wanted me, they were going to make me an offer. Goztepe and Galatasaray were interested. After seeing all this, I wanted to try my luck abroad.

“When there was interest, we found it more correct to sign with Newcastle. I would have also liked to play for Genclerbirligi's A team. Or I would have liked to play for another Super League team and make it to Europe, but I skipped those stages. It was better this way.

“When I first heard about Newcastle, I couldn't believe it. It sounded like a dream to me. We were first turning to teams from Turkey. We were always in contact. At first, it was like Basaksehir and Goztepe, but Newcastle came along and I couldn't believe it at all. Then I started to get used to it.

“When the transfer was finalised, I first called my family. Then I started telling my friends. We announced the transfer long after the announcement. We didn't want it to be announced early and spoil the transfer. A lot of time passed. Only my family, myself and my manager knew. We announced it after the signing (was confirmed).”

Newcastle United presentation impressed the youngster

The Magpies cemented the deal after blowing Yildiz away with a stylish presentation. He also declared what talents Eddie Howe can expect from him in the coming years.

“I was also watching the Premier League from Turkey. I also know the responsibilities that fall on central midfielders here,” Yildiz added. “It is necessary to contribute to the defence as well.

“I think I play both ways well. My technical capacity is also high, I think that's why they transferred me. What surprised me the most here was their warm treatment of me. I wouldn't have received such attention if I had gone anywhere else. They had made the best plan for my career to take shape. I was very surprised by the presentation they showed me. I feel like they expected something from me.”

Sandro Tonali named as Newcastle United inspiration

Yildiz also outlined his desire to compete in the Premier League against top internationals ike Bruno Fernandes and Martin Odegaard. However, there was special praise reserved for Toon teammate Sandro Tonali.

“The tempo in the Premier League is higher than in Turkey,” Yildiz finished. “I realised this in my first training session. My coaches started training me slowly so that I would not get injured. I would get tired very easily in the beginning. Now I feel better physically and in terms of tempo. I want to finish this season in the best way possible and start next season even better.

“I don't think this offer is too early, it's the right time. I feel like I will be more comfortable if I get used to this tempo. It's better for me to see and know how hard football is played. I want to be here permanently. That's my goal right now. I want to contribute to my team. I want to get to the first team.

“I have no thoughts of returning to Turkey right now. Not only from Turkey, even if I get an offer from anywhere in the world. I don't want to leave. This is the best league in the world, I want to stay here.

“I want to play against Bruno Fernandes and Martin Odegaard. They're both top-level players. I want to face them. I took Tonali as an example. He was in Milan when I watched him, now I have the chance to be friends.”

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