Newcastle United have enjoyed remarkable success in the transfer market since a PIF-led consortium took control at St James Park on a dramatic October night in 2021.
The return of hope and ambition saw the likes of England star Kieran Trippier, Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak all added to Eddie Howe’s squad and the Magpies boss looks to deliver on the ambitious and forward-thinking plans of the club’s owners.
Another exciting transfer window looks to lie in wait this summer as the United hierachy look to secure the signatures of further high-profile additions to build on the momentum gained by this season’s unexpected push for a Champions League spot.
But it hasn’t always been this way. Under the ownership of Mike Ashley, United were often criticised for the lack of investment or ambition as the club stagnated, were relegated and then looked satisfied with merely surviving in the Premier League. Several Magpies managers did not help their cause by making a number of mistakes in the transfer market - and here are ten of them from the last decade.
1. Facundo Ferreyra
Highly-rated upon his arrival, Ferreyra’s loan spell at Newcastle ended without any first-team appearances as the striker failed to force his way into Alan Pardew’s side. Photo: Paul Thomas
2. Emmanuel Riviere
A strange signing and overpriced at £6m. Failed to justify his fee with just one goal in two years and even that was a fluke as his shot hit his other foot before finding the net in a 2-1 defeat at Queens Park Rangers in the penultimate game of the 2014/15 season. Photo: Stu Forster
3. Siem de Jong
This is a what could have been story! De Jong sparked in Ajax’s Champions League win at Manchester City but failed to live up to the hype at St James Park. He did suffered badly with injuries and scored just two goals in 26 games before his departure. Photo: BEN STANSALL
4. Remy Cabella
United’s obsession with exploring the French market may have brought some success - but Cabella would not be included as he looked like a fish out of water in the Premier League. At least the Magpies wouldn’t pay a large fee for another underwhelming French winger again... Photo: Michael Regan