After Ajax had rejected Newcastle's first bid, the clubs eventually came to an agreement after the second offer from the English club of an undisclosed fee, thought to be around £6.2 million. He signed a five-year deal and took the number 8 shirt, last worn by Danny Guthrie. Anita made his debut on 18 August 2012, replacing Yohan Cabaye, as the Magpies defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2–1 on the opening day of the Premier League season. He made his first start for the club against Atromitos F.C. in the Europa League on 23 August, the game finished 1–1. He scored his first goal for Newcastle in a Europa League fixture against Club Brugge at the Jan Breydel Stadium on 8 November.