During the winter transfer window, 18-year-old midfielder Baran Yıldız made a career-defining move from the Gençlerbirliği youth academy to the Premier League club Newcastle United, signing a four-and-a-half-year contract. Now, he aims not only to establish himself in the English club but also to wear the Turkish national team jersey one day. The young player shared his rapid journey from Ankara to Europe’s most high-paced league, his challenges, joys, and future plans with the AA reporter.
First Steps and Choosing the Profession
Baran first entered Gençlerbirliği’s famous training grounds at the age of 10. He recalls that day: his physical education teacher, who was also a coach at the academy, noticed the young boy's ball control and quick decision-making skills and invited him to the trials. "You were really good in the matches during the breaks, come to the trials," the invitation came, and Baran began his journey. Passing the trials on his first attempt, he became a part of the red-and-black youth system starting in 2017, where character development was always prioritized.
Lightning-Fast Transfer – The Work of One Winter
Initially, Baran thought he would spend a few seasons in the Turkish Süper Lig before moving to Europe. However, the offer from England came much earlier than expected. His agent, Batu Kaplan, sent videos of Baran’s U-17 and U-19 matches to European clubs. The scouts from Newcastle United watched the footage and quickly made contact. After a medical check-up and signing the contract, the transfer was completed. "At first, I couldn’t believe it," says the young midfielder, admitting that it was surprising for him to take such a step without playing in the A team in Turkey.
Skipped Step and Hidden Advantage
Baran sees his move to England without A-team experience as an advantage: "At this age, learning the culture of English football will make me stronger in the long run. I will be more prepared in terms of tempo and physical readiness." According to the young player, every morning in the club’s training center, body composition is measured, and short consultations with the nutritionist take place. The professional focus on physical and mental details opens a whole new chapter in his career.
First Shock and Support from Coaches
Upon entering the world’s fastest league, Baran immediately felt the difference: His heart seemed to "leap out of his chest," and his legs were tired before he could even pass the midfield during small-sided games. However, the coaching staff didn’t leave him on his own. Through individual strength training, breathing exercises, and gradually increasing loads, his adaptation accelerated. Currently playing in the U-21 team, Baran follows a program synchronized with the first-team staff, preparing himself for a smooth transition if needed.
English – The Last Barrier
The only thing hindering the adaptation process is the language barrier. While Baran quickly grasped basic team communication commands ("man on," "switch," "time"), fluent conversation is still difficult. The club assigned him an English teacher; Baran attends interactive lessons three times a week after dinner. "I will soon solve this issue," says the midfielder, emphasizing that understanding the coach's instructions without translation shortens reaction time on the field.
Dreams of St. James' Park
Baran watches every home game from the stands or the youth players’ box at St. James' Park. The atmosphere of the fifth stand, the waving black-and-white flags, and the song Blaydon Races are all absorbed as he imagines himself on the pitch. "Playing in the Premier League is everyone’s dream," says Baran, imagining himself on those very pitches. Though the debut is just one step away, he knows that this step must be earned with sweat and hard work.
Playing Style and Perfect Ecosystem
Describing himself as a "box-to-box" player, Baran runs a lot, supports defense, assists in attack, and applies aggressive pressing. In England, the demands for this role are strict: the player must cover 12 km per match, stay within high heart rate zones, and not break away from tactical discipline. The main role models for him are now his teammate Sandro Tonali, as well as Kevin De Bruyne, Martin Ødegaard, and Bruno Fernandes. He watches them closely, noting how they change the rhythm of the pass and raise their heads before receiving the ball.
The Tempo Taught by Daily Duels
Comparing the training tempo in Turkey and England, Baran speaks openly: "The tempo here is many times faster than there." In Ankara, intense training sessions were reserved for important matches, while in Newcastle, every practice session closely simulates the conditions of a Saturday match. In four months, Baran has brought his physical metrics to normal and now handles the load that once seemed impossible.
The Club’s Expectations and Trust from Teammates
When Newcastle officially announced the signing of the first Turkish teenager to its academy, there was a lot of interest from the team. Baran was warmly greeted, and the coaching staff made it clear: there is a clear development plan for him over the next two seasons. "Everyone expects something from me," says the young player, but he turns this pressure into motivation: he stays the longest after team drills, perfecting his long shots and diagonal passes.
Gençlerbirliği – The School of Character and Respect
Naturally, the conversation turns to another red-and-black legend: Arda Güler, who also came through the same academy. Baran highlights that Gençlerbirliği is very important to him: "No matter how talented you are, if you are not respectful, you cannot stay here." The club always taught players to first be human, then footballers. Baran will never forget the culture he gained there and continues to mention how it shaped him.
Loyalty to Roots and Looking Forward
Despite the ocean of new experiences, Baran stays in close contact with his family and former coaches. Every Friday, he calls Ankara, shares his yo-yo test results, and sends photos from the gym, receiving a short "Continue" message in return. This support reminds him of his roots and gives him the courage to look forward.
Concrete Goals – Clear Deadlines
His immediate goal is to play at least a few minutes in an official match at St. James’ Park. To achieve this, he plans to earn regular minutes with the U-21 team and impress the first-team staff during the League Cup in the fall. His long-term dream, however, is to wear the red-and-white national team jersey: "For every football player, the greatest pride is to wear their country’s jersey." For now, he is not thinking about other career heights.
Conclusion: The Big Journey is Just Beginning
Today, Baran Yıldız’s name is mainly known by Newcastle fans and keen followers of Turkish football. However, given his determination, hard work, and the billionaire club’s resources, it will not be a surprise to hear his name in the near future. For now, the young player steps out of the locker room last, looks up at the night sky of Tyneside, and whispers almost softly: "Premier League, I’m coming."
