You can see how Yildiz caught Newcastle's eye in youth games as a number eight - those who have worked with the midfielder reference his positional awareness, aggression and passing ability - and if the Magpies had waited, there was the very real chance that another Turkish side could have swooped in after Galatasaray, among others, monitored the youngster's development. That is what happened with Arda Guler, for instance, who also came through Genclerbirligi's system, after Fenerbahce signed the Turkey star before going on to sell him to Real Madrid for €20m.
Getting Sandro vibes!