Newcastle are closing in on their second capture of the summer transfer window – with the imminent signing of Coventry City midfielder Gael Bigirimana.
There are strong reports that NUFC have agreed a fee in the region of £1m with Coventry for the Burundian-born Congolese battler and tonight, a source close to the player has told NUFCfans.co.uk that he will undergo a medical in Newcastle tomorrow.
Bigirimana, known as ‘Bigi’ by Coventry fans broke into the Sky Blues first team last season, making 28 appearances in all competitions.
The 18-year has reportedly been scouted several times by NUFC and at 18, is likely to be part of Toon’s development squad. There have also been suggestions that he might be signed and loaned back to Ricoh Arena outfit.
Coventry boss Andy Thorn has already said he thinks it is too early for Giri to make his move to the Premier League, but the relegated League One side are rebuilding for their promotion push and need all the cash they can get.
Thorn said:
“Gael’s a good talent but he’s still got a heck of a lot to learn and I’d be really disappointed if he left.
“They are a massive club and if you aren’t careful it eats you up if you go too soon, so you have to be very careful.”
Bigi believes in strong family and community values, with Coventry fans saying he’s a regular at the local church. He opened a new hair salon with his older brother Parssi in Coventry city centre a few months ago.
On Coventry City internet forum Sky Blues Talk, fans have been discussing Bigi’s imminent move to Tyneside. According to one user:
“His main attribute (in my opinion) is his distribution. When he first appeared on the scene he was likened to Michael Essien but he’s certainly not tough enough yet for that comparison!
“He needs to be more familiar with the game positionally and where people are around him at all times as he was caught in possession a fair few times last season. All of this comes with experience though.”
In separate news, the Toon are expected to complete the signing of Melbourne Heart defender Curtis Good in the coming week. There are reports that a fee of £400,000 has been agreed with the A-League club and the move is expected to be finalised very soon.
So, what do we make of NUFC building for the future. What do you know about Bigi and Good? Let us know your thoughts on NUFCfans.co.uk, @nufcfans on Twitter and our Facebook page.
In the meantime, here’s a video of Bigi celebrating a derby win for Coventry. It reminds me of Cheick Tiote’s famous celebration after scoring the equaliser in that 4-4 against Arsenal. Bigi brings passion!
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