Benitez brings Spanish companion Gamez to Newcastle

Matt Stead

Newcastle have secured the signing of Jesus Gamez from Atletico Madrid.

The 31-year-old central defender has signed an initial two-year contract at St James’ Park to become the Championship club’s fourth summer arrival.

“I am really looking forward to starting the next part of my career at Newcastle,” Spaniard Gamez told the club’s official website.

“It was the right time to leave Atletico Madrid and this is the right move for me.

“We have an exciting project here, to bring Newcastle back to where it belongs, in the Premier League, and I am very happy to be a part of that.”

Rafael Benitez has so far been active in the transfer market, selling Andros Townsend to Crystal Palace, allowing Fabricio Coloccini to join San Lorenzo for free, releasing Steven Taylor and Gabriel Obertan, and recruiting Matt Ritchie, Dwight Gayle and Matz Sels.

The futures of Moussa Sissoko and Georginio Wijnaldum reportedly remain uncertain, but of Gamez’s arrival, the manager said: “I am really pleased to bring Jesus here to Newcastle.

“He is a very good defender who can play on both sides, left and right.

“He is experienced, I know he has great character and, importantly, he is an excellent professional. I am sure he will give balance to the team.”