January transfer window: Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Sunderland, Harrogate and Hartlepool signings

England full-back Kieran Trippier became Newcastle United's first signing under the new Saudi-led ownership, after negotiations started in December, for a reported fee of £12 million.

The right-back spent the last two years out in Spain with Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid, becoming an integral part of a La Liga winning side in the process.

The 31-year-old made 83 appearances for Atletico after moving from Tottenham in 2019.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said: “I am really pleased to welcome Kieran to Newcastle United. I have long admired his abilities and have followed his career. So when the opportunity arose to secure him, we didn’t hesitate.

“A lot of hard work has gone into planning for the January transfer window long before the month began. It is clear in how quickly we have been able to complete this move.

“I would like to thank everyone involved, particularly our owners. I’m very much looking forward to working with Kieran again on the training pitch.”

Trippier signed a two-and-a-half year deal with the Magpies.

New-Zealand striker Chris Wood joined the Magpies from Burnley for a reported fee of £25 million.

Auckland-born Wood has scored 27 goals for the All Whites in 60 international appearances.

He moves to St James’ Park after four-and-a-half years at Turf Moor during which he netted 49 goals in 144 Premier League appearances for Sean Dyche’s side.

Signing a two-and-a-half year deal he said: “This is a very exciting opportunity for me and I'm delighted to be a Newcastle United player.

"I have played at St. James' Park a few times and it's an amazing place, so to have the chance to represent this club with those incredible supporters behind me and my team-mates is very special.

"The club and manager have been first class during this process, and I really can't wait to get onto the pitch and repay the faith they have in me, especially with a vital part of the season ahead of us."

The 24-year-old midfielder joined the Magpies for an undisclosed fee from Lyon and will wear shirt number 39 - the number of the taxi once driven by his father.

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Guimaraes started out with Audax, where he made his debut as a 17-year-old, before moving on to Brazilian top-flight side Athletico Paranaense.

He then signed for Lyon and, having won an Olympic gold medal with his country at the 2020 summer games, has earned three full caps for the Seleção.

Guimaraes was Newcastle's third signing of the transfer window.

Eddie Howe said: "Bruno is a hugely exciting talent and has been one of our primary targets so I'm delighted to secure him. He strengthens the group immediately ready for the challenge ahead.

"He has been one of the standout performers in France and is a full international for Brazil so I have no doubt our supporters will really enjoy watching him. We look forward to welcoming him to the club on his return from international duty."

The Aston Villa defender has joined the Magpies on loan until the end of the 2021/22 season.

The 26-year-old left-back, who can also operate as a wing-back will wear squad number 13.

Born in Eastleigh in Hampshire, Targett began his career at nearby Southampton.

After coming through the club's academy system, he made 63 appearances in all competitions for the Saints and spent time with Fulham on loan during the 2017/18 season as the Cottagers achieved promotion to the Premier League.

Targett joined Aston Villa in July 2019 and was an ever-present in the Premier League last season as Villa finished 11th - one place above the Magpies.

Speaking after completing his loan move to United, Targett said: "I'm delighted to be here. I can't wait to get going and meet all the fans and hopefully we can have a successful end to the season.

"My family have friends here and they've always said it's a football-mad city, so to experience it and be part of it - I'm really looking forward to it."

Eddie Howe said: "We have gone into this transfer window with a plan to add strong competition in specific areas of the team and Matt will be a fantastic option for us on the left.

"He has important Premier League experience and know-how at this level, so I'm really pleased we've been able to add him to the squad."

29-year-old defender Dan Burn, previously with Brighton, signed for Newcastle United in a £13 million deal.

Originally from Blyth, Burn is coming home to his boyhood club on a two and a half year deal.

He's the clubs fifth acquisition of the January transfer window.

Burn said: "I'm buzzing to be here. I never thought I'd be in this position so to be a Newcastle player and to be around St. James' Park, it's something I've dreamt of since I was a kid."

Eddie Howe said: "I'm delighted to bring Dan back to the North East. He knows exactly what it means to represent this club and he will be a big presence for us on and off the pitch."

21-year-old Aaron Connolly joined Chris Wilder’s side from Brighton and Hove Albion on loan until the end of the season.

The Republic of Ireland international made just one league start for Brighton this season in a Carabao Cup game seeing him score two in a win over Swansea City.

As well as eight caps for the Republic of Ireland, the striker has made 45 senior appearances for Brighton up until now, scoring five times.

Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder said: “I’m delighted. It’s an area of the pitch we need to improve in terms of competition for places.

“He’s a young player, he’s played in the Premier League a number of times, and he’s from a technical football club. He’s also played for his country.

“He gives us pace, can finish at the top of the pitch and gives us competition for the players around him.”

21-year-old Caolan Boyd-Munce signed a two-and-a-half year deal with Middlesbrough from Birmingham City.

Since making his debut in August 2019, Boyd-Munce made nine appearances for Birmingham’s Under-23s.

Chris Wilder said, “We’re really pleased to bring Caolan in. He’s a young left-footed central midfielder who we have been tracking for quite a while now.

“He’s been playing regularly in Birmingham’s Under-23s, we’ve been watching him closely, and we’re delighted the opportunity has arisen for us to sign him.”

England Under-21 International Floarin Balogun joined Middlesbrough from Arsenal on loan until the end of the season.

The striker scored 16 in total for the London club and twice in five Europa League appearances.

Chris Wilder said: "We’re delighted to get Flo in.

"He’s a player I’ve known about for a long time and we identified him as someone who could come in and improve us in the second half of the season.

"He has great movement, good pace, and he’s a natural finisher. We’re looking forward to working with him."

The 23-year-old Australian has signed a three-and-a-half year contract with the club.

Riley had previously been on loan from MLS expansion club Charlotte to Birmingham City, where he made 30 appearances before returning to the stateside ahead of the club’s first season in the league.

The seven-times capped international started his career in Australia with Adelaide United, and he also had spells with Club Brugge, Newcastle Jets and Melbourne City. He returned to Adelaide in 2019 and 13 goals in 28 appearances led to Charlotte securing his services as they built a squad for their first MLS campaign.

Boro manager Chris Wilder said: “We’re delighted to bring Riley into the club. He’s another good young player who wants to do well, and he will fit in well with us.

“He did well during his loan at Birmingham, we’ve been looking at him for a while, and when the opportunity came up for us to bring him to the club we jumped at it.”

19-year-old Trai Hume became Sunderland AFC’s first signing of the window at the beginning of the month.

The Northern Ireland U21 International signed a four-and-a-half year contract for a reported fee of £200,000, and makes the move on Wearside from Belfast team Linfield FC .

Hume said: “It feels amazing to be here at this massive club and I can’t wait to get out there in front of the fans with my new team-mates.

“I came to the Sheffield Wednesday match and it was absolutely bouncing – I loved every second of it.

“I’ve played over 50 games in the Irish league and I think that will help me settle in, but this is the right time for me to test myself in a new environment and this is the right club.

“Sunderland are aiming for bigger and better things and I can’t wait to get going."

Experienced centre-back Danny Batth joined the Black Cats from Stoke City on a free transfer, signing an initial 18-month contract.

Johnson signed the 31-year-old despite strong interest in him from clubs in the Championship, including Sheffield United.

The three-time promotion winner helped Sheffield Wednesday get out of League One in 2011-12, and helped Wolves do the same in 2013-14, and was part of the Wolves side that won Premier League promotion 2017-18.

At the time, the now-departed Sunderland manager Lee Johnson said: “Danny is a player that I’ve tried to sign a couple of times before, so it’s third time lucky.

"We have some good characters already in place at the football club and you are always looking to nurture leadership qualities, but Danny’s come ready-made.

“A dominant centre back, he has a great personality and I think he will have really positive effect on and off the pitch.”

Roberts, who was nicknamed ‘mini Messi’ while in the youth ranks at Fulham, joined the Black Cats from Manchester City until the end of the season.

The 24-year-old was part of the England Under-17 side that won the UEFA European Under-17 Championships in 2014, and has 165 senior appearances under his belt.

Lee Johnson said: “Patrick is a player that we have always kept our eyes on over the years because he really is a top talent.

“This is an amazing opportunity – for him and the club – to give him the love he requires at a standard whereby we think he can excel and then come with us to the next level. 

“He thrives on the big occasion and the beauty of Sunderland is that there is a big occasion every three days. We hope that this is the place he calls home for a number of years.”

The 21-year-old winger has moved to the Stadium of Light on loan until the end of the 2021-22 season.

A Leeds United academy graduate, Clarke made his senior debut for the Whites in October 2018 and he was named the club’s Young Player of the Year following a breakthrough 2018-19 campaign.

The England Under-20 international moved to Tottenham Hotspur for an undisclosed fee in July 2019, signing a four-year contract at White Hart Lane before returning to Elland Road on loan.

Clarke spent the second part of the 2019-20 season at Queens Park Rangers before making his Spurs debut for Jose Mourinho’s side in a 3-0 UEFA Europa League victory over Austrian Football Bundesliga side LASK.

He joined Stoke City on loan in January 2021 and played 14 times for the Potters before injury brought a premature end to his campaign.

Clarke returned to action for Spurs’ Under-21 side earlier this season and has registered three goals in his last four games, whilst also featuring for the North Londoners’ senior outfit in the UEFA Europa Conference League.

The winger said: “I can't wait to get started. I'm from this part of the world, so I know this is a massive club and what it means to the fans. I'm looking forward to playing at the Stadium of Light and the prospect of being part of the team that takes the club back to the Championship. I want to help the team as much as possible, whether that's goals or assists, and ensure we reach that end goal."

One of the greatest Premier League goalscorers of all time, the iconic striker returns to Wearside and signs an initial contract until the end of the 2021-22 campaign.

Defoe arrives on a free transfer following his departure from Rangers Football Club, having helped the Scottish giants to secure a record-breaking 55th league title – the club’s first in a decade.

Only eight players have scored more PL goals than the 39-year-old, who has represented West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur and Portsmouth in the top flight and netted over 300 senior goals during a 23-year career.

Signed from Toronto FC in January 2015, his first spell on Wearside was simply unforgettable as the striker cemented an enduring legacy on and off the pitch.

Defoe scored on his home debut and notched against Swansea City, but it was on 5 April 2015 that he wrote his name into Wearside folklore by netting one of the greatest ever Stadium of Light goals in a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United.

His form continued throughout the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons, as he scored 33 times in 74 games, and he inspired millions along the way by striking up an eternal bond with Bradley Lowery.

‘Best mates’, the duo walked out at the Stadium of Light together on numerous occasions and they captured hearts across the world in March 2017 when Lowery led out the Three Lions at Wembley Stadium and Defoe scored on his coveted England return.

The striker departed in June 2017 following the club’s relegation from the Premier League and he joined AFC Bournemouth, returning to Dean Court 16 years after joining the Cherries on loan from West Ham United.

Upon his return, Defoe said: “I can’t stop smiling because this is a special move for me for many reasons. I’ve had so many messages saying, ‘remember when you said you would come back’, as I said that I would one day and when I left, I wasn’t ready to leave. I have a special bond with the fans here and the club is in a fantastic position to get promoted. I want to be a part of more special times here and I’m looking forward to it.”

Kristjaan Speakman added: “We all know how high highly regarded Jermain is amongst our fan base and within the wider community. He returns at a crucial time in our season, and we firmly believe that he can have a positive influence on and off the pitch. Jermain’s personality is infectious and his mindset is elite. He is a proven winner and a goalscorer and we are delighted to welcome him back to the Stadium of Light.”

The central midfielder has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal at the Stadium of Light, arriving from Fleetwood Town for an undisclosed fee.

A mainstay in the Cod Army’s starting line-up, Matete has made 25 appearances for the Lancashire-based side during the current campaign.

The 20-year-old, who started his career at Reading, also spent time on loan at Grimsby Town last season, featuring 20 times and scoring three goals.

Matete said: “I’m delighted to sign for a club of this stature and I can’t wait to get started. Everything happened so quickly, but it’s brilliant to get the deal done and I’m excited for what the future holds. I’ve watched the club from a young age and I’m looking forward to getting out there at the Stadium of Light in front of the supporters.”

Kristjaan Speakman added: “Jay is a dynamic and versatile midfielder and we are delighted to welcome him to Sunderland AFC. He is a highly sought-after talent and throughout the season he has attracted admirers from the Premier League and the Championship, which not only highlights the level of his performances but also his outstanding potential. We believe that we have the optimal environment in place to maximise his ability and we look forward to supporting him in his development, as he takes the next step in his career.”

Morley-born Austerfield joined Harrogate Town from Huddersfield Town on loan until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old midfielder is making the step up to League Two football after two senior appearances for the Terriers; making his professional debut in September 2020 against Rochdale in the EFL Cup, and again in the Terrier's FA Cup tie against Plymouth in January 2021.

Harrogate manager Simon Weaver said: “Both Josh and Brahima have got a huge amount of potential and we’re excited about giving them game time, which will be invaluable for them and us.

"We don’t see them as just on the periphery players, we see them challenging the current starters and really enhancing our chances of doing well this season.

“They’re both midfielders but both have different strengths. Brahima is an attacking midfielder and Josh is capable of playing as either an attacking midfielder or holding player. Josh is very tall and got great guile, while Brahima has got a low centre of gravity which makes him very skilful and dynamic on the half turn but he’s very robust as well.

“They’re both great options for us moving forwards.”

18-year old Frenchman Diarra joined the Harrogate Town from Huddersfield Town on loan until the end of the season.

The midfielder joined the Terriers in July 2019, and signed his first professional contract a year later, after playing for his local club Montrouge F.C. 92.

Diarra made his senior debut for Huddersfield Town in December 2020, when he came on as a substitute in the EFL Championship against AFC Bournemouth.

Legge joined Harrogate Town from Port Vale F.C in a permanent move.

The 36-year-old arrives from League Two rivals Port Vale, having made over 100 appearances for the Valiants, netting eight goals over the past four seasons.Legge joined Cambridge United in 2015, and was named Supporter's Player of the Season in his debut year.

He went on to captain the U's before moving to Port Vale in July 2018, were also wore the armband.

Simon Weaver said: “We are really delighted to bring Leon in. We believe he will add aggression and leadership to our group.

"It remains so important to win the first ball in both boxes and we will be asking Leon to do that for us. Off the pitch, I know the lads will benefit from his professionalism, knowledge and dedication to the game.”

20-year-old Richards has joined Harrogate Town from Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. on loan until the end of the season.

The defender has played for the U-21s in the Papa John's Trophy for the past three seasons, and has also represented Ireland at U19s and U21s level.

The Irish U-21 international played for has made regular appearances in the Wolves' matchday squad throughout the 2020-21 season, including the Europa League ties against Besiktas and Sevilla.

Assistant manager Paul Thirlwell said: "We’ve been watching Lewis for a while and got the opportunity to bring him in and he’s been great. He’s down to earth and really wants to be a defender, which is refreshing in that he wants that to be his main attribute.“He can play in different positions and in different systems either as a centre half or a full back.  He wants to get out there and stop crosses, wants to learn and is generally just a good footballer.

"He’s still young as well and will improve all the time so we’re really looking forward to having him on board.”

18-year-old Kavanagh joined Harrogate Town from Middlesbrough on a permanent move.

Kavanagh, the son of Premier League midfielder Graham Kavanagh, signed his first professional contract with Boro in September 2020.

This season, Kavanagh has scored scoring six times in as many appearances in Boro's U23s, and joins Town on his first loan move.\

Manager Simon Weaver said: “Calum is an exciting forward who will cause no end of problems for opponents with his tenacity, pace and ability, we’re convinced of that.

"He’s a determined player on the pitch, a good character and fits in with what we want in the squad which is hungry, go getting players with a belief and presence on the pitch.”

Sheffield-born Hull has spent the first half of this season on loan at Guiseley AFC away from Rotherham United, where he played 19 times with one goal scored.

The 20-year-old had several League Two teams take an interest, but has joined Graeme Lee’s side on loan until the end of the season.

On the Hartlepool United website, Pools manager Graeme Lee said: “Very pleased to get Jake Hull in. Another player who comes in with a great attitude and character.

“Has the attributes we were looking for in a defender and we know he can be a real success here.

“We would like to thank Rotherham as well for allowing Jake to spend the remainder of the season with us.”

Southport striker Marcus Carver has joined Pools on a permanent deal.

28-year-old Carver, who has already scored 17 goals in all competitions this season, putting him third on the National League North for goalscoring.

Prior to his Stockport move, Carver spent five years at Chorley F.C. where he scored 47 goals across four seasons, including 17 goals in their promotion-winning season in 2019-20.

Graeme Lee said: "“I am delighted to get Marcus in with us. He has the attitude, character and work ethic we are looking for. He has already scored 17 goals this season and hopefully more to come in blue and white.”

Isaac Fletcher (Middlesbrough FC - Hartlepool United, on loan until end of season)

19-year-old Fletcher has signed with Pools on loan for a season.

The move will see him reunite with manager Graeme Lee who was U23 lead coach at Boro until he left to join Hartlepool United in December.

Although he is yet to make his professional debut, the midfielder made Middlesbrough’s senior team in last season’s Emirates FA Cup game against Brentford.

Hartlepool boss Isaac Fletcher: "We have been in talks with Boro for a while so I am delighted to get Isaac over the line.

"He is a real attacking threat and can play in several positions. He has shown over the last few weeks that he can create and score, and I expect him to make a big impact on our side."

Former England C International Omar Bogle has signed with Graeme Lee’s side on a permanent two-and-a-half year deal.

The 28-year-old made his senior debut for Hinckley United before moving to Solihull Moors and then Grimsby Town, collecting various awards including player of the year and golden boot.

The striker went on to achieve promotion to league football by scoring twice in the 2016 National League Play-Off Final. Hartlepool United Chairman, Raj Singh said: “We’re delighted to finally get Omar confirmed and through the door.

"We said that we will back the manager in this transfer window and the next with funds and there has also been a huge amount of work going on behind the scenes with our recruitment process that ultimately allow us to successfully deliver this and other signings."

Hartlepool-born midfielder Bryn Morris joined Pools on loan from Burton Albion until the end of the season.

He gives Graeme Lee plenty of options playing in both midfield and defence, but also with potential as a centre-back. 

Morris started his career at Middlesbrough, making his first-team debut in 2013 before heading out on loan to Burton, where he scored against Pools, and Coventry.

Next, he enjoyed short-term loan spells at York City and Walsall before leaving Middlesbrough in early 2017 to join Shrewsbury. 

Spells at Portsmouth, Northampton, and most recently Burton Albion again paved the way for Morris to join his hometown club under Graeme Lee. 

Lee said: "Great to get Bryn at the club. He is someone I’ve known for many years during my Middlesbrough days. He is a great talent who has been playing in the leagues above, he has showed a great desire to come to us. Hartlepool lad and a Hartlepool fan and I know he’s going to add a lot to this squad.  

Morris said: "It is obviously a dream come true to come back to my boyhood team. My whole family are from the town and Hartlepool fans. My brother sits in the NWC. I know the Gaffer well and I am looking forward to getting started and playing in front of these fans". 

Since the departure of Jonny Mitchell, Pools have been keen to get a goalkeeper through the door, and Bilokapic will now join Ben Killip and Patrick Boyes in the squad for the second half of the 2021-2022 season.

He currently plays for Huddersfield’s B Team, where he has appeared alongside former Pools loanees Matty Daly and Romoney Crichlow.Nicholas Bilokapic"Very pleased to get Nicholas in. He has come highly recommeded as a great young talent. He has been amongst the first team all season and thanks to Huddersfield we have been able to get him in on deadline day."Bilokapic said: "I am delighted to join Hartlepool. As soon as I heard about the interest it was a no brainer. I am here to help the squad as best I can and learn and develop whilst working with Ben and Dimi" 

Newcastle United U23 Joe White has joined Pools on loan for the remainder of the season.

The midfielder joined Newcastle's academy in 2016, progressing through the various age groups before appearing for the first team in a pre-season draw at Rotherham in July 2021.

Born in Carlisle, the 19-year-old has represented England up to under-18 level and has recently been subject to attention from Celtic, Rangers, and current European champions, Chelsea FC prior to agreeing his new contract with Newcastle.

Talking about the new signing, Graeme Lee said: ‘’We are delighted to secure Joe given the high-profile interest in him recently. He is a highly rated footballer, very creative and forward thinking. We want to say thank you to Newcastle for working with us on this and allowing Joe to join us until the end of the season.’’

Joe White commented on the move: "I’m really keen to play first team football now and once I knew Hartlepool were interested I wanted to come. I know the manager wants to play good football and that was one of the key reasons why I wanted to join. I want to play as many games as possible between now and the end of the season, scoring and assisting goals and showing the fans what I’m capable of."