FSV Mainz have published a statement on Thursday afternoon which confirms claims from the German media this week that Yoshinori Muto is moving to Newcastle United.
The Japanese striker has wanted to play in the Premier League for some time and there’s been reports of interest previously, but Newcastle look to have gone ahead and got a deal done.
Mainz have released the following statement: ‘Yoshinori Muto will not return to the Bruchweg as planned on Friday after his extended World Cup vacation. The Japanese striker is facing a possible move to England in the Premier League.
“We have had good and constructive discussions with Newcastle United and we have come to an agreement in principle, there are still some key details to clarify, but we are confident that we will soon reach a final transfer decision,” says 05 Sport Board Rouven Schröder. The clubs are, as far as the terms of the contract, largely agreed, however, are around the change still time-consuming formalities to be done.’
Rafael Benitez has had a frustrating summer recruitment wise but towards the end of this week things have started to look at least a little better for the Spanish manager.
On Wednesday afternoon, Germany’s Kicker reported Muto’s transfer to Newcastle was ‘almost perfect’.
Earlier this week German newspaper Bild claimed Newcastle and West Ham were the main contenders for the forward.
