Newcastle sign Jesus Gamez: Spaniard joins on two-year deal at St James’ Park
NEWCASTLE have completed the transfer of Jesus Gamez from Atletico Madrid.
The Spaniard, 31, has signed a two-year deal at St James' Park and is the club's fourth purchase this summer.
The defender's natural position is at right-back but he can fill in on the left too.
He holds on to the ball well and is a strong tackler - a quality the Magpies will need in the second tier of English football.
Gamez made 12 appearances for Atletico last season and helped the La Liga giants reach the Champions League final.
He began his career at Malaga and made 256 appearances for his boyhood club, captaining the first-team for three seasons.
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Toon manager Rafa Benitez has been busy adding to his Championship squad in the hope of a speedy promotion back to the Premier League.
The former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss splashed out £26million on Matt Ritchie, Dwight Gayle and Matz Sels.
The North East club recuperated £13m from the sale of Andros Townsend and long-serving captain Fabricio Coloccini's contract was cancelled by mutual consent.
Benitez, 56, reckons any new signings on Tyneside are good for team morale.
He said: "We are bringing new additions and I think that will be good for the team spirit."
And the Toon chief reckons wantaway midfielder Moussa Sissoko will remain at St James' Park next season.
He added: "I am in contact with Moussa - hopefully France will go to the final, he can win the final, come back and win with Newcastle."