After a disastrous first year on Tyneside, De Jong’s comeback can be as influential to Newcastle as any new recruit.
The former Ajax captain made only four league appearances after suffering from a long term thigh injury as well as a collapsed lung in his debut season.
Now fighting fit, the 26-year-old’s return to regular first team football will be as important to Newcastle as any signing made this summer.
De Jong has already been earmarked as a key part of Steve McClaren’s plans on Tyneside.
Speaking to the Chronicle last month, the new boss said: “Siem is a smart, intelligent player and I’m looking forward to working with him. He’s a difference maker. You need a few difference makers in your team and he’s one of them.”
Well known to McClaren from his time in Eredivisie, De Jong lifted the league four times with Ajax, making 44 appearances in the Champions League and Europa League as well as earning six caps for the national team.
Newcastle fans saw glimpses of the creative midfielder’s ability last season, including a well taken goal against Swansea in April, and much more will be expected of him this year should he be able to shake off the injuries of last year.
Despite creating 332 chances last year (12th best in the league), only five teams failed to score more goals than The Magpies’ haul of 40, with four of those clubs finishing below Newcastle in 15th.
De Jong clearly has the capabilities to be instrumental in improving the club’s fortunes and many will hope his return, coinciding with the signing of fellow Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, can hail a new era of attacking football at St. James’ Park.
Whilst rumours still swirl that the arrival of Aleksandar Mitrović is imminent and the Charlie Austin transfer saga still rages on, one thing is certain; a successful return for Siem De Jong will be as important to Newcastle United this season as anything else the club achieves this summer.
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