Yoshinori Muto Completes Newcastle United Move

Japanese international forward Yoshinori Muto has completed his move to Premier League side Newcastle United after he was granted a work permit on Thursday.

The 26-year-old joins the Magpies from German Bundesliga outfit Mainz 05 after putting pen on paper on a four-year contract in a £9.5m deal.

Muto was hugely influential for Mainz as he scored eight goals to help the club escape relegation.

On his latest signing, Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez said: “I am really pleased to have Yoshinori Muto with us. We were following him for quite a while.”

“Hopefully he can bring us his energy and work-rate and help the team to improve and be better for the new season.”

Muto added: “I am really looking forward to playing in front of the fans.

“As the first Japanese Newcastle United player, I am honoured to be a player for such a big club.” He concluded.

Yoshinori Muto was part of the Japan squad to the recently concluded FIFA World Cup tournament in Russia.