Today, Chelsea have confirmed that attacking midfielder Christian Atsu has joined Newcastle United on a season-long loan deal, which may or may not include a buy-option for the Championship favorites as well.
CONFIRMED: Newcastle United have completed the signing of @ChristianAtsu20 on a season-long loan from Chelsea! #NUFC pic.twitter.com/jKZ5Fam9SH
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) August 31, 2016
The 24-year-old Atsu became a Chelsea player in 2013, joining as a last-minute surprise from Portuguese club Porto. Atsu immediately headed out on loan to Vitesse, but while the Ghanian managed to secure a work permit the following summer, he remained on the loan trail with further stops at Everton, AFC Bournemouth and Málaga. He has also represented his national team at the 2014 World Cup, playing in all of their matches during the competition.
At Newcastle, Atsu will be working under the guidance of former Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benítez, as the Magpies try to get back to the Premier League as soon as possible following their relegation last season.
The possibility of an option to buy out his contract should not be a surprise. Given that Atsu only has two years left on his contract, it might be in the best interest of Chelsea and the player himself to find him a new permanent home in the near future.
Best of luck to Atsu and his new team this season; may he avoid the injuries that have recently plagued his career!