Who and when was the last player that we signed on a permanent basis that you were really excited about seeing? And why? Excluding Almiron. Last one for me was Ben Arfa back in 2010/11. I’m a sucker for “flair” players and/or goal scorers and Hatem was both. Pity about the proximity of the Gregg’s shops though. Hoping Almiron has a touch of the Hatem’s which some “experts” seem to suggest he might but hopefully not with Ben Arfa’s attitude. So for the first time in ages I’m actually really looking forward to seeing how a new signing performs.
On 25th January 2013, Newcastle splashed the cash on an up and coming left back called Massaido Haidara. Bearing in mind we have not had a decent left back in decades I was ecstatic. I knew he was the one as soon as I clapped eyes on him. He was a player who could play as a left back or as a wing back. He broke my heart and that is why Rafa should leave this club with his head hung in shame.
There's been some brilliantly technical and talented players (Cabaye and Ben Arfa etc). However, and this might be a bit left field, my favourite has been Lejeune. I just love having a centre back that is so calm and cool on the ball. Makes such a difference.
Still my favourite player ever! Tudor from Sheffield and Hibbitt from Leeds, McDonald from Luton and Smith, Aberdeen, But the greatest player the worlds ever seen, We signed him from Blackpool, his names Tony Green.
I remember the flick he did away to Bradford in pre season August 2017. Flicked over the head of a Bradford player, controlled and launched a thirty yard pass in to the feet of Murphy. Class act.
Not sure if you’re old enough to have been around but best ever centre back for us IMO has to have been Woodgate. A bit of a walking disaster on the injury front but oozed pure class on a football pitch when he was fit which sadly wasn’t often enough.
Last one for me was Wijnaldum, followed his career and was super surprised we got him and he wore my number 5 <3 Him and Sissoko tbh - genuinely staggered at those two coming in especially sissoko for £1.5m, thought we were going to have a real shot at doing something like regularly qualifying for europe - where they are both playing now.
