Newcastle United confirm the signing of Leeds United and West Ham target Matthew Bondswell

Newcastle United have confirmed the arrival of former RB Leipzig left-back Matthew Bondswell after receiving international clearance.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The 18-year-old, who has represented England at under 15s to 18s level, was released by the Bundesliga club in January so he could find a club in his homeland.

West Ham United and Leeds United were said to be chasing the player, however it is the Magpies who won the race for his signature.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A product of the Nottingham Forest academy, Bondswell moved to Germany in the summer of 2018, though his only piece of first-team experience came on loan at Dutch side FC Dordrecht in the first half of this season.

Newcastle United have signed Matthew Bondswell following his release from RB Leipzig (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)Newcastle United have signed Matthew Bondswell following his release from RB Leipzig (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Newcastle United have signed Matthew Bondswell following his release from RB Leipzig (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

His spell in the Netherlands was then cut after his exit from Leipzig was negotiated. The teenager now joins up with United’s under-23s squad, managed by Chris Hogg and Peter Ramage.

Bondswell could theoretically be involved in Newcastle’s Premier League relegation run-in, if he impresses, though likely falls behind Paul Dummett, Jamal Lewis and Matt Ritchie in the pecking order.

On signing, Bondswell said: "It's an amazing feeling to be at such a big club.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I'm really looking forward to getting started with the boys and hopefully doing some successful things in the future."

Indeed, Bondswell is said to be highly-rated by coaches in the England set-up and has been scouted by Chelsea in the past.

The Nottingham-born youngster, picked by scouts for his speed and athleticism from being a schoolboy sprinter at county level and a triple-jumper, is viewed as a typical modern-day full-back.

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Newcastle United coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription; sign up here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor