Newcastle Utd Sign Gael Bigirimana - Player Profile
By Tyne-Talk
July 6 2012
Newcastle United have signed Coventry City midfielder Gael Bigirimana on a five year deal after the 18 year old soared through a medical yesterday. Bigirimana, who made 18 first team appearances last season in the Championship, is Alan Pardew’s second signing of the summer as he prepares his squad for a series of pre-season friendlies.
Coventry Chief Executive Tim Fisher said:
“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.”
Player Profile
Bigirimana fled Burundi in Africa as a child, along with his mother, father, two brother and sister. They came to England and when he was 11 approached Coventry City for a trial. After going through the youth scheme at the club, he signed his first professional deal in 2011 and played a significant part last season. He now joins Newcastle United where he will continue to develop his career.
Season | Team | Competition | Games started (subs) | Goals Scored (assists) | Yellow Cards (red) |
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2011/12 | Coventry City | Championship | 16 (10) | 0 (1) | 2 (1) |
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| FA Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 (0) |
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| League Cup | 1 | 0 | 1 (0) |
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"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.
"We would have liked him to have developed further here at Coventry City but that wasn't to be so we have acted in the best interests of the club and have agreed a fee that we feel reflects his value.
"All of the money will be reinvested across the entire football side of the business - from youth development to the first team. Finally, we would like to wish Gael all the very best for the future."
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