Newcastle have confirmed the permanent signing of Hatem Ben Arfa on a four-and-a-half year contract.
Winger signs four-and-a-half year contract following loan deal
Newcastle United have confirmed the permanent signing of France international Hatem Ben Arfa on a four-and-a-half year contract.
Sky Sports revealed earlier on Wednesday that Ben Arfa was on the verge of finalising a long-term stay at St James' Park after joining on loan from Marseille in the summer.
Ben Arfa is currently recovering from a double leg fracture suffered against Manchester City in October and has been restricted to just four appearances for the Magpies.
However, the 23-year-old is focused on his recovery and is delighted to have wrapped up a deal to stay with the Premier League club until 2015.
Very happy
"I am absolutely delighted to be signing for Newcastle United on a permanent basis," Ben Arfa told the club's
official website.
"During my short time at the club, I thoroughly enjoyed playing for the team and for the supporters too. This is a great club and I am very happy to be committing my future to them.
"I am getting back to fitness as quickly as I can and am really looking forward to getting back to St James' Park, seeing the lads again and of course working with Alan Pardew and his staff.
"During my time out, I have been inundated with messages of support from fans and I want to repay them all with good performances on the pitch later this season."
Priority
Manager Alan Pardew added: "When I came to the club last month, one of my priorities was to secure Hatem on a permanent deal.
"The last thing I wanted was for us to lose him when his loan ended so we're really pleased to have agreed that deal today.
"He's obviously a top player and he's shown that in France, at international level and in his short time here at Newcastle.
"I'm delighted to secure Hatem as my first signing and once he's back fit, I have no doubt he'll confirm just what a superb player he is."
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