Newcastle Set to Sign Coventry’s Bigirimana

Gael Bigirimana picked up last season’s Football League Apprentice of the Year award. Picture: BBC

The Independent today reports that Newcastle United are close to signing Coventry City’s 18-year-old midfielder, Gael Bigirimana.

The Burundi-born central midfielder caught the eye of Newcastle scouts next season and was at their training ground yesterday trying to thrash out a move to the Europa League contenders.

Bigirimana played 26 times for Coventry City last season as they were relegated from the Championship.

He also picked up the Football League Apprentice of the Year award after impressing throughout last season. He signed his first professional deal with the Sky Blues at the start of last season and has not turned back.

He moved over to the UK as a refugee in 2004 after a period living in Uganda with his mother.

The Apprentice awards scheme recognizes education as well as footballing ability and Bigirimana has the equivalent of two A-levels and an NVQ in sport. He is a truly all-rounded player on and off the field.