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The January transfer window has not even officially opened yet but Newcastle United have already got their first signing in the bag.

Former Recreativo de Huelva striker Juan Lopez, also known as Juanito, is joining the Magpies as another of Rafa Benitez’s signings for the club’s development squads.

His capture is yet more evidence of Rafa Benitez’s long-term planning at the club. While his priority is obviously the first team and making sure they achieve promotion back to the Premier League, he is also looking at the bigger picture and has been keen since arriving to boost the club’s academy in order to produce future talent for club.

And 17-year-old Juanito arrives with a reputation in Spain as an exciting prospect.

He’d been making a name for himself mainly in Recreativo’s youth sides, but such was the excitement about his potential, supporters at the financially-troubled Spanish side reacted angrily to news of Lopez’s departure.

We first reported the news of his signing last month, although there was no official news of when the 17-year-old would arrive on Tyneside.

But today the youngster was pictured taking in the city centre where he called into popular shop The Back Page and was pictured by them holding a Rafa Benitez scarf.

And he also tweeted a picture of himself at St James’ Park next the club badge alongside the words: “Many thanks to all NUFC for the welcome. A pride to defend this shield.”

Pictures on his Instagram account also showed him training at the club’s Benton training base as early as December 1.

Although he’s expected to first join Peter Beardsley’s under-23 squad, there is a Spanish contingent at the club now that will be able to help him settle.

As well as Benitez and members of his coaching staff, the club also boast Spanish under-21 international Ayoze Perez in their squad.

Lopez’s capture is not too dissimilar to that of Perez’s back in the summer of 2014.

Perez was scouted playing for Tenerife in the second tier and was brought to St James’ Park initially with the U21 squad in mind.

However, a lack of resources meant the Spaniard got his chance earlier than expected and took it with both hands. He scored seven Premier League goals in his debut campaign, playing a big role in helping the Magpies avoid relegation - even if it only ended up delaying it for 12 months.

How quickly Lopez will develop remains to be seen, but there’s certainly no rush for him with the first team currently thriving. His signing is certainly a positive one though, more so because of the intent it shows in Benitez’s planning.