AFRICAN striker Demba Ba last night sealed his move to Newcastle United before explaining the club’s ambition was what helped convince him to move to Tyneside.
After spending a couple of days in the North-East, the former West Ham striker flew out of Newcastle airport after signing a three-year deal at St James’ Park.
He was manager Alan Pardew’s second signing of the summer, following the arrival of Yohan Cabaye a week ago, and was followed up by the signature of Sylvain Marveaux this morning. It brings a brighter end to a week in which Newcastle off-loaded captain Kevin Nolan to Upton Park.
And, crucially, Ba was not put off by Newcastle’s decision to sell Nolan, which was met by disbelief inside the dressing room, sparking fears that there would be future sales.
Ba is believed to have accepted an appearance-related contract, incentivised in a way that Nolan was reluctant to accept at St James’ Park, and is satisfied Newcastle can build on last season’s mid-table finish.
“I’m really happy to have got it done so quickly and I’m really looking forward to playing for Newcastle United now,” said Ba, who has moved for nothing after making the most of a get-out clause in his contract following West Ham’s relegation.
“There was interest from other clubs but I just wanted to come here. Newcastle have a great team and I believe it’s going to be even better next season.
“I came here because it is a massive club with a great history. It will be a pleasure to wear the shirt. For me, it was a simple decision. I believe I will get better here.
“I feel the club can reach a higher level than where it is now and a higher level to most of the other clubs in the Premier League. Things will go from strength to strength. I believe this is a club that is going to improve and I wanted to be somewhere like that.”
Ba scored seven goals in 12 Premier League appearances for West Ham last season in a team that ultimately was not good enough to stay up.
He has been interesting Everton and Sunderland, although a knee injury that prevented a move to Stoke City last year put clubs off from meeting his wage demands.
After successfully passing a medical yesterday he is now looking forward to trying to help Pardew deliver a top-ten team on Tyneside.
“When I spoke to the manager, I was happy with the ambition Newcastle are showing,” said Ba. “We talked and they spoke about where they want this club to be, the players they want to sign and I was pleased to hear that they want the same things I want to achieve. I’m going to do my best to help the club get there.
“I wanted to play in the Premier League and Newcastle have given me the chance to do that. It’s an excellent move because I have fallen in love with English football and Newcastle are one of the biggest clubs.”
Ba was born in Sevres, a suburb of Paris, but has been capped ten times by Senegal. He has also had spells with Rouen, Mouscron and 1899 Hoffenheim. He was briefly on Watford’s books in 2005.
Pardew said: “Demba made a great impression with West Ham last season and is a great signing for this club. He has pace, excellent technical ability, is good in the air and, it goes without saying, has the ability to consistently find the back of the net. Moreover, he has a great passion to play for Newcastle United.”
Ba has asked for the No 19 shirt, which has been occupied by Xisco in the last few years, although club sources claim the Spaniard is not close to leaving.
Newcastle aim to follow up the arrival with Swansea full-back Neil Taylor, but hopes of a £1.5m deal being rushed through yesterday were dashed when the deal was delayed. An agreement should still be reached for Taylor, although the Swans spent yesterday morning trying one last time to convince him to stay in South Wales.
Newcastle have also been given encouragement to pursue French midfielder Blaise Matuidi, despite a 13m euros get-out clause on his contract.
St Etienne want to keep hold of Matuidi, who is also interesting Paris St Germain, Lyon, Roma, Arsenal and Liverpool, but he has expressed a desire to move to the Premier League.
Matuidi said: “The Premier League is the best league in the world and I really want to be part of that one day.”
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