HITC Sport has compiled Newcastle United’s most expensive XI of all-time.
With Rafa Benitez seemingly struggling to get some new faces through the door at Newcastle this summer, HITC Sport has compiled an XI made up of the Magpies’ most expensive acquisitions in each position.
And while they have managed to land some brilliant deals over the last few decades, this team may perhaps provide the Newcastle fans who want to see big money spent with some comfort that paying large fees does not always translate into successful signings…
GK: Matz Sels
Newcastle paid £5 million for Matz Sels last summer, according to BBC Sport. He struggled during his first year at St James’ Park and has now been loaned out to Anderlecht.
RB: Vurnon Anita
Vurnon Anita cost the Magpies £6.7 million back in 2012, the Chronicle reported at the time. He proved a decent servant for the Magpies before leaving this summer.
Vurnon Anita
CB: Jonathan Woodgate
In 2003, Jonathan Woodgate seemed destined to be one of England’s best centre-backs so you could hardly blame Newcastle for spending £9 million on him (via BBC Sport). Unfortunately, injuries meant that he did not play regularly for the Magpies, but he still featured often enough to earn a move to Real Madrid soon after.
CB: Fabricio Coloccini
Fabricio Coloccini cost Newcastle £10.3 million in 2008, BBC Sport reported, which could arguably be reflected upon as a good piece of business from the Magpies as when the Argentinian was on form, he was one of the top flight’s best. Of course, his form was not always perfect.
Fabricio Coloccini
LB: Jose Enrique
BBC Sport reported that Jose Enrique cost Newcastle £6.3 million back in 2007. On his day, he was another player who could be brilliant – not that Liverpool fans would agree.
RM: Andros Townsend
Spending £12 million on Andros Townsend in January 2016 (via Guardian) almost proved to be a stroke of genius as his form helped give Newcastle a chance of staying up in the Premier League in 2016. Unfortunately, it was not enough and the winger swiftly joined Crystal Palace.
Andros Townsend
CM: Georginio Wijnaldum
Interestingly, the entire midfield in this side was signed during Newcastle’s most recent season to end in relegation. Georginio Wijnaldum was signed for £14.5 million, BBC Sport reported, and arguably proved to be a great signing, topping the club’s scoring charts.
CM: Jonjo Shelvey
Like Townsend, the January window of 2016 saw Newcastle spend £12 million on Jonjo Shelvey, according to the Guardian. He remained after their relegation, and has arguably become a talisman for the side.
LM: Florian Thauvin
Another £12 million that Newcastle spent that season, according to BBC Sport, was on Florian Thauvin. Unfortunately however, the decision has never been vindicated and his struggles were made all the more frustrating by his success back at Marseille – who he has now returned to permanently.
Alan Shearer
ST: Alan Shearer
Alan Shearer became the world’s most expensive player when he joined Newcastle for £15 million in 1996 (via BBC Sport) – but he was worth every penny. He ended his career as the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, and is way out in front in the Premier League’s all-time goalscoring charts.
ST: Michael Owen
While Shearer was worth every penny, the £17 million BBC Sport reported that Newcastle spent on Michael Owen in 2005 can not be reflected upon as good a piece of business. He scored just 26 times in 71 league games for the Magpies, and his time on Tyneside was plagued by injury.
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