NEWCASTLE United today – Jul 2 2007 – completed the signing of Cameroon World Cup star Geremi.
The Chelsea defender has quit Stamford Bridge in favour of a switch to Tyneside, where he has been assured of more first-team opportunities under new Toon chief Sam Allardyce.
Although Geremi is out of contract, it is believed that United have paid him a signing-on fee of around £2m, and he has agreed a three-year deal after passing a medical at the club’s Benton HQ.
The player broke off from his holiday in Africa to fly to Tyneside, and was impressed by the set-up and the area.
Geremi is no stranger to the North East after spending time with Middlesbrough four years ago, an experience that will make his transition from the Blues an even easier one.
It takes United’s tally to four in the summer transfer window, with Aussie striker Mark Viduka already on board, having snubbed a new deal at Middlesbrough, and cash signings Joey Barton from Manchester City and Czech defender David Rozehnal also looking forward to the new season at Gallowgate.
However, the capture of the versatile Geremi will provide Allardyce with options at both right-back and midfield, as he has played in several different roles throughout his career at both international and club level.
And Geremi will bring plenty of experience with him too, after starring for Chelsea in both the Champions League and the Premiership, as well as playing in the World Cup and African Cup of Nations for his country.
Earlier in his career, Geremi also pulled on the famous shirt of Real Madrid before heading to Boro on loan in the 2002/03 season, where he picked up the accolade of player of the year on Teesside.
That was enough to persuade Claudio Ranieri to splash out £7m for his services, and under the Italian he enjoyed plenty of run-outs at first-team level.
Yet it has been a totally different story under Jose Mourinho, with the star struggling to nail down a regular place.
Boro dearly wanted to sign Geremi four years ago after his successful stint, and would loved to have done the same this summer on a permanent basis before United got there first again to trump them, just as they did with Aussie striker Viduka last month.
But after Allardyce made it crystal clear that he wanted Geremi to be part of his plans, the 28-year-old was excited by the prospect of joining Big Sam’s revolution on Tyneside and didn’t ponder too long once United made their move.
And the Chronicle understands that the carrot of regular first-team action finally swayed the player into joining the Magpies.
by Lee Ryder, Evening Chronicle
