Former Newcastle United winger Sammy Ameobi signs for Middlesbrough

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Former Newcastle United player Sammy Ameobi has got a new club.

The winger, who left the Magpies back in 2017, has agreed a deal to join Middlesbrough.

Ameobi is back in the north east after a four year absence, and is now set for a second spell at the Riverside.

Middlesbrough was the home of Ameobi’s first loan spell away from Newcastle back 2013.

He has spent the past two years in the Championship with Nottingham Forest, but was released at the end of the season.

Boro boss Neil Warnock is very happy with his latest signing, telling the club’s official website: “As soon as I became aware Sammy was available I let him know I wanted him, and we had a few good conversations.

“I thought it was important he could see what he could do for us, and what I could do for him.

“I’ve always thought he’s a danger, and I’ll be looking to use that danger and have a system where I can get him in positive forward positions.”

Warnock is clearly positive about the impact Ameobi can have at the Riverside, but will have a hard job getting the best out of him.

The 29-year-old has great dribbling ability, but has struggled throughout his career to be a consistent threat.

Sammy Ameobi never hit the heights at Newcastle

There was a lot of excitement when Shola’s younger brother emerged on the scene in the north east.

Shola was a cult hero, and there was a feeling that Sammy could carry on his legacy.

There were dual chants, League Cup goals against Morecambe – even a pitch invasion at Darlington in a pre-season friendly.

In 2014, Ameobi received a lot of praise from former Newcastle striker Michael Owen.

“Right now, he’s a tidy player, however, Sammy has it in him to go onto the next level. Who knows what will happen but he’s a real talent,” Owen said seven years ago.

Sadly for Ameobi, he’s got nowhere near that next level. He has spent his days in the Championship, never playing in the Premier League since his Magpies departure.

In total, Ameobi played 70 times for Newcastle, scoring four goals.

His final few appearances for Newcastle in the Championship felt sad, with fans seemingly cheering ironically every time he touched the ball whenever Rafa Benitez brought him off the bench.

Ameobi is a player capable of moments of magic. He has natural ability. However, he’s never hit the heights expected of him.

Perhaps his move to Middlesbrough can reignite his career.