RANKED: Newcastle United’s South American stars
Bruno Guimaraes became the 20th South American player to make a Premier League appearance for Newcastle United when he made his debut against Everton last month.
From the FA Cup-winning Robledo brothers in the 1950s right up to Premier League favourites like Faustino Asprilla, Nolberto Solano and Fabricio Coloccini, St James Park has been home to a number of talented players from South America.
The Magpies even wrote their name into the history books when they became the first English club to sign a Brazilian international by paying a fee of £575,000 to sign striker Mirandinha from Palmerias in 1987.
That trend has continued through to the current squad with United manager Eddie Howe able to call upon Argentinean defender Federico Fernandez, Paraguayan forward Miguel Almiron and Brazilian duo Joelinton and, of course, recent signing Bruno.
Not all South Americans have managed to hit the heights with several struggling to make an impact during their time on Tyneside and some sinking without trace to become footnotes in the club’s history.
Newcastle World takes a look back and rates the past and present South Americans that have worn black and white during their careers.
NOTE: Only players that made a senior appearance have been included in the list.
1. 20th: Fumaca
A curious signing for a number of reasons. Nothing was known of him when he arrived and even less is known of him now. Somehow made six appearances despite looking well out of his depth in the Premier League.
2. 19th ‘Nacho’ Gonzalez
The Uruguayan midfielder was one of the two signings that put paid to Kevin Keegan’s second managerial reign at St James Park. Promised little, delivered even less.
3. 18th Claudio Cacapa
Cacapa arrived as a Ligue 1 title winner and boasted Champions League experience. Looked solid enough until a horror show against Portsmouth marked the beginning of the end for his time on Tyneside. Photo: David Rogers
4. 17th Diego Gavilan
Nicknamed ‘Sparrowhawk’, Gavilan arrived on Tyneside with a promising reputation but the youngster never really adjusted to life in the Premier League. Photo: Getty