News this afternoon from the Official Newcastle United web-site that indeed Jose Enrique from Villareal has signed for Newcastle United for 9.3M euros which translates to around ₤6.2M.
That’s about ₤2M more than we first thought we were paying so it’s not too surprising when Villareal said last week they were reluctant to sell Jose but the offer Newcastle made was just too good.
Jose Enrique Signs for Newcastle United – he certainly looks happy enough
News is that Newcastle beat a few other clubs to the Spanish Under-21 player – including Liverpool and Manchester City - so we expect this boy to become an excellent player for the club. There have been questions as to why Liverpool didn’t go after the player – but maybe we just beat them to it - as the news only came up on August 2nd - last Thursday 
It definitely shows the way in which the club are willing backing Sam’s judgement in the transfer market because Sam had little to do with this transfer – other than to tell his boss (Chairman Chris Mort) to go for Enrique. The Newcastle Board then moved with lightning speed to capture the youngster. It shows the club is willing to invest in transfers this summer – so it really puts a lot of the bad rumors to rest (hopefully) that have circulated these last few weeks about the ambitions of the Chairman and Board. It’s a great signing for the club.
Enrique will wear the number 3 shirt and we think he will be the starter in that position – but is very unlikely to play on Saturday against Bolton. The deal is over 5 years for the player nicknamed “The Bull” in Spain.
This is what Sam had said earlier today to the Evening Chronicle as he heaped praise on Chairman Mort and COO (Chief Operating Officer) Russell Cushing for the signing – and thanked them for moving so fast when news came through last Thursday that Enrique may be available:
 Sam said:
“When we get Enrique signed it will finalize an excellent few days for us,”Â
“In Enrique we have signed a player who has huge potential at a very good age and who has already broken into the first team at Villarreal.
“Either our chief operating officer Russell Cushing or chairman Chris Mort got a phone call which said the player was available.
“I asked the price and said ‘go’ and they went. And in 24 hours he was here.
“Russell Cushing and Chris Mort are the reasons Enrique is signing for us rather than Liverpool or Manchester City.”
We are very pleased the way Sam and the Board are now working these transfers – as we mentioned this morning – it augers so well for the future and shows how Chris Mort and Russell Cushing are supporting Big Sam Â
Jose seemed only too pleased at signing when he told the official Newcastle web-site:
“Last year I played at St. James’ Park in a friendly and I decided then it was a great place to play.”
“I would like to thank Newcastle United for showing faith in me and giving me this chance.”
Good for him – here’s some information on our new left-back.
Jose Enrique is 6′ tall and only joined Villareal last season and at that time signed a 5-year contract with the Spanish side. He has now joined  Sam’s Newcastle revolution which is gathering speed at the club.
José Enrique Sánchez DÃaz (known as José Enrique) was born 23rd January 1986 in Valencia, Spain. He joined El Madrigal in 2006 after spending the previous season (2005/06) on loan at RC Celta de Vigo, where he appeared 14 times in the Primera División. His previous club before joining Valencia was Levante UD, but he never appeared in their first team. Jose is a left-sided defender who usually plays in the left-back position.
Jose will be Sam’s 7th signing for the club this summer – and the most expensive beating the ₤5.8M Sam paid out for Manchester City’s Joey Barton. We think every one of these signings have been good buys for the club. Hopefully that’s not being overly optimistic – but hey – we are Newcastle fans Â
Comments very welcome.
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40 responses so far ↓
1 bazza_09 // Aug 6, 2007 at 6:10 PM
Does any body know of any Jose Enrique video clips on line anywhers???
2 Dingo // Aug 6, 2007 at 6:21 PM
Ed….. the liverpool rumours came right out the horses mouth… Sam said it… you have him quoted. I for one have no reason to disbelive him.
Bring on the 11th…….. hehehehehehehehehehe the FA cup is half full!!!
3 Callum // Aug 6, 2007 at 6:23 PM
The same time Enrique is signed, Baines signs for Everton
4 StevieA // Aug 6, 2007 at 6:26 PM
Brilliant news!
I had a feeling it was a done deal when Enrique sat next to the chairman and manager, this is usually a very good sign!
I have heard he is very talented so I am looking forward to seeing him play. I feel much more comfortable going into this season and I am looking forward to a successful campaign.
Let’s get one or two more quality players in and really push for the top 5! I don’t see why not!
5 bazza_09 // Aug 6, 2007 at 6:26 PM
I think its difficult to offer any real comment on the lad as i haven’t seen him play, however what i would say is that it proves Mort is backing BSA with cash when the opportunity arises.
BSA mentioned that he wont play him at Bolton and he is going to stick with the players that have performed well in pre-season – this would suggest that we will have Huntingon or N’Zogbia filling in for the first few games.
Despite the fact you can guarantee Bolton will be throwing a lot of balls into the area and will be very direct, leaving Huntington as the most likely candidate, I don’t think he is anywhere near quick / mobile enough to deal with Diouf and Anelka pulling out wide. Go on BSA throw the youngster in, give him a baptism of fire – he may be one for the future but i would hope for 6.3 million he will do a better job than our two other options playing out of position.
6 StevieA // Aug 6, 2007 at 6:27 PM
Just to add. Very shrewd of Sam not to throw him into the deep end unless he has to. Obviously he wants him to settle in and be 100% fit before playing. Something we are not used to!
7 Cockney Magpie // Aug 6, 2007 at 6:31 PM
all i can say is
8 Edd Case // Aug 6, 2007 at 6:33 PM
I have to say that I am absolutely thrilled with our 7 new signings.
I think over time, each one will prove to be a brilliant signing.
I really hope that Geremi becomes the captain, he is looking world class.
Hats off to Ashley, Mort and Big Sam for what they’ve achieved so far.
I’m more excited now than I ever have been at this stage in pre-season, well, certainly for a good 8 or 9 years.
I’m just so chuffed that we’ve brought in some tall, quality defenders, Cacapa, Rozenhal, Enrique and possibly Drago.
Give it a month or so and this team will really click into place and be a very hard team to beat, home and vitally, away.
Can you just imagine this time next year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now, not that we really need it – but who else could be just that bit icing on the lovely cake?
Please let it be Riquelme…
9 Cockney Magpie // Aug 6, 2007 at 6:34 PM
also glad to read he is 6ft aswel, when i first saw him i thought he looked like a little fella but with his heigh and being given the number 3 shirt sam obviously didnt bring this lad in as back up, he is going to be our 1st choice left back i believe, cant wait to see him in action!!
10 Cockney Magpie // Aug 6, 2007 at 6:35 PM
1 more thing, am i right in sayin Jose Enrique has been our most expensive signing so far this season?
11 Edd Case // Aug 6, 2007 at 6:36 PM
Cockney Magpie – yes
12 Tom_Toon // Aug 6, 2007 at 6:37 PM
Good signing. He must be very talented for BSA to pay that much for a player, £6.2 mil
He wasnt nicknamed ‘The Bull’ for nothing so he must be the type of player we like and the premiership suits.
Any news on Drago?
13 Tom_Toon // Aug 6, 2007 at 6:38 PM
Eurgh, doesnt looks like Drago is coming. At least we have one decent LB
14 e // Aug 6, 2007 at 6:39 PM
can he speak english? i wanna see an interview on newcastle wolrd tv;)
15 StevieA // Aug 6, 2007 at 6:42 PM
Oh you will see an interview don’t you worry about that!
You usually have to subscribe though!
16 Cockney Magpie // Aug 6, 2007 at 6:42 PM
given, cacapa, taylor, roz, enrique, duff, barton, geremi, smith (playin jus behind the stirkers), owen, martins, with everybody fit this is jus one of many formations we could play with, i am unbelievably excited about this season!!!
17 bazza_09 // Aug 6, 2007 at 6:42 PM
I reckon Drago is giving us the run around in order to bump up his salary at Sevilla.
Latest quotes are,
“Not everything is about money,” he said.
“In a few days, maybe on Wednesday or Thursday, we will make a decision, but I think that I am now closer to staying here.
Now this quote isn’t from the most reliable website so maybe it isn’t 100% accurate, however if it is it seems to contradict his earlier statement that money was very important to him.
Either way he is going to get his pay rise!
18 Lew Davies // Aug 6, 2007 at 6:45 PM
sigh of relief!!!!!!!
at last we have a quality LB)
19 Tom_Toon // Aug 6, 2007 at 6:46 PM
Now we have Enrique, im not to wrried about not getting Drago.
RB and we are done? Glen Johnson?
20 Lew Davies // Aug 6, 2007 at 6:46 PM
21 Chappa // Aug 6, 2007 at 6:50 PM
get in there!!!! another great signing by the big fella!!! a new look defence..just what i have been waiting 4.and as 4 geremi what an excellent sigining he has turned out 2 be.absolutely thrilled 2 bits..HAWAY THE TOON!!
22 Tetsuo // Aug 6, 2007 at 6:52 PM
Finally we are building up a defence we can be proud of I just hope they can carry this form into the premiership. Thrilled about Enrique, young and pacey I just hope he can get stuck in. I’m a little disappointed that we won’t get too see our new line in time for the game against bolton but im still confident we can bag the three points anyway and hopefully the patience will prove to be the right move.
23 will // Aug 6, 2007 at 6:55 PM
Reading between the lines it is probable that we beat off interest from Liverpool by raising our bid. Or maybe he just didn’t want to play for a public that might raid his house whenever the team was playing away.
24 Ed Harrison // Aug 6, 2007 at 7:00 PM
I changed the bit about Liverpool and Man City – since Sam confirmed it – you would think i would read my own stuff wouldn’t you
Great interview on Newcastle web site with Jose – here’s my piece on it – when you read it remember Jose is just 21
25 Ed Harrison // Aug 6, 2007 at 7:00 PM
http://nufcblog.com/jose-enrique-believes-very-much-in-manager-sam-allardyce/
26 bazza_09 // Aug 6, 2007 at 7:01 PM
sky sports news are just about to do a piece on enrique
27 dirk // Aug 6, 2007 at 7:06 PM
Glen Johnson, tell me you’re having a laugh!!
We can do far far better than that Chelsea/Portsmouth reject. Even Carr is better!!
I don’t think we will be signing any more midfielders, and to be honest our midfield squad is looking strong (as long as nobody else is sold)
I see Alan Smith playing as the attacking midfielder in a 4-3-3, or the withdrawn striker in a 4-4-2.
Assumin no RB is bought, this is the team I think should play 4-4-2:
————-Given—————-
Geremi Taylor Roz Enrique
Milner Butt Barton Zog
Viduka Owen
and the team for an attacking 4-3-3:
—————-Given—————–
Carr Taylor Roz Enrique
——-Geremi/Butt Barton——–
—————–Smith——————
Martins——————-Milner/Luque
—————Viduka——————
28 rich // Aug 6, 2007 at 7:06 PM
oh yes… im happier we have Jose than Leighton…. dont et me wrong Leighton is good but hes nothing fantastic where as Jose (From what ive heard) has a bit of flair about him and hes totally SOLID hence the nickname ‘The Bull’
i hope this isnt the last of our signings, and i hope this FINALLY puts to bed all the viscous 10million quid budget, martins is going, NUFC have no money malarkey.
i would still like to see another versatile LB come in as cover though, but then again we do have Zog… but maybe im just starting to get GREEDY!!!
come on Drago! put pen to paper!!!!
29 rich // Aug 6, 2007 at 7:21 PM
Guys – does anyone know what the difference between the following is on NUFC TV:
looking at my payment plans it says i can change to:
Match Live! 19.99 p.a.
or
NUFC World 11.99 p.a. -IM CURRENTLY ON
or
NUFC World Extra – 49.99 p.a
does the match live stream all the toon games live? and why is NUFC World Extra so expensive?
anyone know? doesnt seem to tell you any info… just says i can upgrade?
30 Ryan // Aug 6, 2007 at 7:23 PM
I notice that everyone has *conveniently* left out Dyer for the starting lineup. Rot in the reserves, he shall.
Says a lot about the loyalty and affection he has for this club. And the trust, faith and opportunities that the various managers (SBR, GS and GR) have accorded him. Asswipe.
31 StevieA // Aug 6, 2007 at 7:33 PM
Please stop putting Geremi at right back! He makes us tick in midfield. He would be such a waste at right back! He is our Claude Makele and will play brilliantly with Smith, Emre or Barton.
Let’s bring a right back in because Geremi is just too good to play there!
32 Tom_Toon // Aug 6, 2007 at 7:43 PM
You dont get premiership games on NUFC, only reserve and preseason. You do ge tpremiership highlights.
33 rich // Aug 6, 2007 at 7:50 PM
^^@ Stevie A:
i completely agree with you Geremi is a genius in centre mid… but with a fully fit squad i think we have too many other good CM’s which are better than Carr is at right back… if you know what i mean.. so i feel Geremi will be played at RB if we have players like Barton, Smith, Emre, Zog, Butt etc.. fully fit.
34 reggie22 // Aug 6, 2007 at 7:52 PM
given
taylor rozy cacapa enrique
geremi
barton ????????????
owen viduka martins
35 reggie22 // Aug 6, 2007 at 7:53 PM
edd could u possibly do a name your favourite team post so we can all see what our fellow fans think and have a good old chin wag about it please !
36 Craig Allen // Aug 6, 2007 at 7:56 PM
6 Mil and the no 3 shirt (implied first choice) this guy must be good. I admit I know nothing about him but in Sam I trust .. his (Sam’s that is
) record speaks for itself …
37 StevieA // Aug 6, 2007 at 8:18 PM
Rich – I agree with what you are saying but I feel that the two strongest players for us in centre midfield are Geremi and Barton. They would be immense.
I would like to see Smith used more as a support man or striker. It really depends on who is fit and who is in form so I am sure we will see Geremi play a lot of games in midfield and probably in defence too. It all depends what happens with Barton and how Smith performs upfront.
Ideally though Geremi must be used in midfield, he has impressed me more than anyone else in midfield to be honest.
38 AndyW // Aug 6, 2007 at 8:19 PM
Jose – Bienvenido Bonnie lad!
39 Craig Allen // Aug 6, 2007 at 8:25 PM
Oh yeah, throw in a fit, focused we-not-selling-him-cheap with a heart monitor … what a midfield that would be …
40 Aggi // Aug 6, 2007 at 8:52 PM
i would like to get Grétar Steinsson as a RB he is the second best icelandic player now after Gudjohnsen and he is powerful can play RB MR and MC and those of you that saw the later game against AZ (wich he currently plays for) might remember him good tackles good ariel ability and ok pace a tough player that would give 110% every game and has the ambition to play in the epl a must buy and for a bargain of 4m
ps im icelandic seen this player many times in action knows how good he is much better then Glen J
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