'My dream' - Newcastle United 2025 signing left stunned by four-year contract offer
Newcastle United completed the signing of the Turkish midfielder in February.
Baran Yildiz admits he was left stunned when Newcastle United came calling earlier this year.
The 18-year-old joined from Turkish second-tier club Genclerbirligi, though never made a first-team appearance. The Magpies unearthed Yildiz from Turkey’s under-19s Regional Amateur League.
Yildiz completed his move to Newcastle in February, signing a contract until June 2029. The midfielder made four appearances for the under-18s last season and represented the academy at the Dallas Cup in April.
Baran Yildiz and representatives announce Newcastle United move
Newcastle did not officially announce Yildiz’s arrival but the player and his representatives took to social media to announce the transfer.
After uploading a photo of himself in a Newcastle shirt at St James’ Park in April, Yildiz wrote on Instagram: “I am very happy that I have stepped into the Premier League. The biggest league in the world, where I have been following my dream for years, with a wonderful club with roots and traditions like Newcastle United.
“I would like to thank my family, my teachers and my manager, my brother Batu Kaplan, our lawyer Anil Dincer, my brother Riza Koklu who have contributed greatly to making this dream of mine come true. This is a start and no one should doubt that I will work hard and represent my country and our flag the best way I can.”
Meanwhile, Batu Kaplan, head scout at Kasimpasa who supported Yildiz during the deal, added:: “For years, we’ve been part of the stories of Africa’s talented sons in Europe.
“For the first time, I’m sharing in the dream of a TURKISH footballer brother. The first TURKISH footballer to transfer from the Regional Amateur League u19 to the Premier League with an amateur licence, BARAN YILDIZ, congratulations on joining Newcastle United.”
His lawyer, Anil Dincer said: “Our client Baran Yildiz has transferred to Newcastle United, a brilliant success story that will inspire Turkish youth. Hopefully, more Turkish youngsters will transfer to Europe and achieve great successes. We will do everything we can for them.”
Baran Yildiz ‘surprised’ by Newcastle United interest
This week, Yildiz further spoke about the move, where he revealed his surprise at Newcastle’s interest. Indeed, Yildiz in the first player from Turkey’s under-19s Regional Amateur League to move directly to the Premier League.
He told Fotomac: “I couldn’t believe it. Actually, I didn’t expect anything like this at the age of 18. My dream was to play in the Super Lig and leave, but I jumped that level directly. It was a very surprising offer for me as well.”
While first-team additions have been few and far between of late, the same can’t be said for the academy. As well Yildiz, the Magpies have agreed to sign Dinamo Tbilisi forward Vakhtang Salia when he turns 18 in August, while Kyle Fitzgerald has already completed his move from League of Ireland side Galway United.