Yedlin Sounds out old club to stay match-fit

NEWCASTLE United’s DeAndre Yedlin is clearly keen to prove himself once again in the Premier League next season – with the right-back already back in pre-season training. The 23-year-old headed back to America once the Magpies clinched the Championship title earlier this month and then enjoyed a short break in Las Vegas. But now, the USA international has returned to his former club Seattle Sounders and has started his pre-season training early in a bid to ensure he is in peak physical condition come the start of the second-tier campaign. He will also attend the Sounders’ match against rivals Portland Timbers today, given he was born and raised in Seattle and remains a supporter.

Yedlin, speaking to the Sounders’ website, explained about his decision to head back to his hometown club where he made his breakthrough to train: “When I first came, [head coach Brian Schmetzer] said, ‘You’re welcome back whenever you want.’ It’s a great feeling, I know I always have a home here.

“It’s my first club and it’s my favourite club. It’s my hometown club. Seattle will always hold a special place in my heart, and I’m excited to be back.

“It’s nice to see some old faces and some new ones as well. The team has changed a bit since I’ve [left] here so it’s nice to meet those guys as well.

“Being back here brings back really good memories.”

Yedlin made 27 appearances for Newcastle during their Championship-title-winning campaign and will hope to impress in the Premier League next season.

The right-back – who can also play in a more advanced wide role – made just one top-flight appearance for Tottenham after first moving to England in 2015.

During a season-long loan at Sunderland in 2015/16, Yedlin then played 23 Premier League games for the Black Cats and his defensive capabilities improved during that time.

And, with some extra training under his belt at MLS Cup winners Sounders, Yedlin will aim to be in peak physical condition come August 12.

That particularly holds true given that he is training with the MLS champions.

“It’s unbelievable,” Yedlin said of Sounders’ first-ever MLS triumph.

“Obviously I wish I could have been a part of it. I’m from here, so any time any Seattle team wins something, especially as big as that, it’s a great feeling.

“I’m proud of that team and everybody that was involved, and hopefully they can get another run going this year.”

USA DEFENDER BACK IN SEATTLE AS HE STARTS HIS PRE-SEASON IN MAY!