Ciaran Clark, formerly of Aston Villa, joins a long list of summer deals that Rafa Benitez has completed so far this window, arriving for a fee of £5m.
His deal was completed relatively quickly, only taking around three days for everything to be completed. The Irishman joined United along with Mohamed Diame earlier this week.
The 26-year-old finalised his contract by signing a 5-year-deal for Newcastle in a move which saw him leave his home club of Aston Villa. He will be available for selection against Huddersfield next week.
The defensive-minded player is mainly suited to a role as a centre-half but is versatile enough to play either as a centre-defensive-midfielder or indeed a full-back. Benitez seems to have added a player who will give his all to Newcastle’s promotion hopes, as well as being young enough to mould and grow as a defender.
To get a better view of our new player, who will wear the number two shirt, we spoke to Matt Lynch of the Villa View (@TheVillaView_) – a lifelong Villa fan who has watched this move develop closely.
1. What’s your opinion on Clark’s move away from Villa?
I am happy with the move, we did some good business to get £5 million considering how poor he was for us last season. In fact, it is somewhat of a blessing.
2. What’s your best memory of him in a Villa shirt?
It has to be his sliding tackle on Matty James vs Leicester.
3. What is his best position?
Centre back is where he has played his football but I always preferred him at centre defensive midfield.
4. What is his greatest strength?
His greatest strength has to be the fact that he will give his all. There are no half measures with Clark – he will always give 100% for the shirt he is wearing and he will wear that shirt with his heart on his sleeve.
5. Has he any vulnerabilities?
His decision making is nothing short of appalling. On so many occasions, he has a rush of blood and makes an awful decision, like against Belgium in the Euros for Ireland.
6. He’s 26 now, so would you say he’s at the peak of his career? Or is there more to come?
He has had stunted development whilst at Villa. I am not quite sure what to expect now that he has a fresh start. It could go one of two ways for him. I do hope he kicks on though as I’ve never had an issue with him.
7. He’s been at Villa all his playing life, from academy to his first senior appearance in 2009, will he adjust well?
I think he will. He is no stranger to playing at St James’ Park and will know people from playing against Newcastle for so many years.
8. Why do you think Benitez saw him as a target?
I’ll be frank. It has to be the fact that is experienced and could well be a good backup option for the odd game here and there. I cannot envisage Rafa having Clark as a key player. He was part of a side that shipped.
There we have it. We might have some technical work to tighten up with Clark but it seems that Benitez has got himself a player who can help us in our promotion bid, and give passion and heart to the cause.
We know Clark has been brought in primarily as a central defender, but it is clear that he has talents in the defensive midfield department which will be highly useful.
Once again, thanks to Matt Lynch for his time and answers.