'Official' - Newcastle United have just signed exciting midfielder as Real Madrid star reacts

Newcastle United have completed the signing of Turkish teenager Baran Yildiz from Genclerbirligi.

The transfer was confirmed by Genclerbirligi general manager Ali Ekber Duzgun on Tuesday afternoon, with reports in Turkey claiming Yildiz has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract.

The 18-year-old attacking midfielder, who joined the Turkish second-tier club in 2017, has scored seven goals in 15 matches for the under-17s and under-19s teams this campaign.

"Baran Yildiz’s transfer to Newcastle United has been completed,” Duzgun announced, “Official signatures have also been made.

“The transfer of one of our players from our infrastructure to a Premier League team is an important success for both Genclerbirligi and our player.

“I hope he successfully represents Gençlerbirligi abroad like Arda Guler. We wish him success in his career."

Yildiz then took to social media to issue a farewell message, where he was congratulated by Real Madrid attacking midfielder Arda Guler. Like Yildiz, Guler started his career at Genclerbirligi before joining Fenerbahce.

From Fenerbahce, the 19-year-old completed a £17m move to the 15-time Champions League winners.

“Dear Genclerbirligi Community, today I am saying goodbye to this great family, whose jersey I have proudly been supporting for nine years, in line with my career planning,” Yildiz said.

“No one should doubt that wherever I go, I will do things that will make both Gençlerbirliği and my country proud.

“First of all, our legendary president İlhan Cavcav, my coaches Adnan Özcan, Erol Tokgözler and the whole club. I thank my workers.”

NewcastleWorld understands Yildiz is likely to link-up with the under-18s with a view to progressing to the under-21s next season.

A similar deal to Vakhtang Salia

In what appears to be a similar deal to Yildiz, Georgian forward Vakhtang Salia will join from Dinamo Tbilisi when he turns 18 in August.

Salia, 17, visited Tyneside last month where he shown around the club’s training ground and St James’ Park.

Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell previously explained: “Scouting and recruiting emerging talent is an essential part of building a sustainable future, particularly within the current PSR framework, so the market is fiercely competitive.

"We continue to scout extensively, both domestically and overseas, with a view to securing players who can come through our talent pathway and, ideally, become part of the first team in future.”