Newcastle Sign Serbian Striker Mitrovic

Newcastle United have completed the signing of Aleksandar Mitrovic from Anderlecht on a five-year contract, subject to work permit.

The Magpies have not disclosed any figure involved in the signing of the Serbia international striker but has been reported at £13m.

“I visited the stadium and it is amazing. I have played in a lot of impressive stadiums in my career but St. James’ Park is so big, I can’t wait to play my first game here,” Mitrovic, 20, said.

“I know how passionate the fans are. This is a club with a very big history and the fans are a big part of that. There will be pressure here, for sure, but I like pressure.”

Manager Steve McClaren added: “This is a fantastic signing for us. We have fought off a lot of competition to secure a top young talent in Europe.

Mitrovic Has Been Capped 19 Times By Serbia. Image: Getty.
Mitrovic Has Been Capped 19 Times By Serbia. Image: Getty.

“Aleksandar is someone who can develop with the team and someone who will help us to get to where we want to go.”

Mitrovic began his career Partizan Belgrade before making his debut for their affiliated side Teleoptik.

He was the club’s highest goal scorer in the 2012-13 season, as they clinched the Serbian SuperLiga title.

The forward, who has been capped 19 times at senior international level, joined Belgian outfit Anderlecht in August 2013 and scored 44 goals in 90 appearances in the last couple of seasons for the club.

He was Player of the Tournament at the 2013 Uefa Under-19 Championships, after helping his country win the cadet tournament.