Newcastle United have completed a deal to sign Coventry City’s Gael Bigirimana for an undisclosed fee.
Bigirimana, who recently completed his apprenticeship at the Ricoh Arena, has agreed a five-year deal to join up with the Magpies.
The Burundi-born midfielder signed for the Sky Blues’ Academy as an 11-year old, progressing through to their first team and making 28 senior appearances.
Rumour surfaced in May that Alan Pardew was in the hunt for Bigirimana’s services after making a notable impression on Andy Thorn’s team and winning the Football League’s Championship Apprentice of the Year award in the 2011-12 season.
Reflecting on the transfer Coventry City’s Chief Executive Tim Fisher told the club’s website; “Gael is a great talent and we would, obviously, have liked him to stay here at Coventry.”
“But when the Premier League comes calling – particularly a club the size of Newcastle United – it becomes increasingly difficult to stand in the player’s way.”
