Top 10 Newcastle United signings of all time
Newcastle United fans have seen many special players don the famous black and white colours in their history and many of them have been signed from other clubs.
From the icons of the past to Premier League titans, we’ve selected the club’s greatest signings.
Let’s go!
10. Malcolm Macdonald
Known for his pace, power, and personality, Malcolm Macdonald was leading the appearance and goal-scoring chart for Newcastle during his time.
He was signed from Luton Town for £180,000, which was quite a sum back then. His quick adaptability endeared him to the Toon Army as he found the net 30 times in the first season.
Moreover, he never scored fewer than 24 goals in a campaign for the Magpies and Arsenal came calling in 1976.
9. Frank Clark
A reliable left-back picked from North East non-Leaguers Crook Town in 1962 sent shockwaves across England as Clark went on to make more than 450 appearances for Newcastle and also helped them lift the 1968/69 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.
He spent 13 years at St.James’ Park winning the Second Division title with the Magpies in 1964/65, before leaving with Brian Clough to Nottingham Forest.
8. Bill McCracken
Famous for being part of the development of the offside trap, Bill moved to St. James’ Park from Northern Irish outfit Lisburn Distillery in 1904 and captained both Ireland and Newcastle.
He was a key figure in the Magpies’ first three English title triumphs and their maiden FA Cup success, also leading them to the final twice on different occasions.
7. Bobby Mitchell
Moving from Scotland’s Third Lanark for a sum of £16,000 in 1949, Scottish international Bobby Mitchell tasted victory as part of Newcastle’s three FA Cup-winning teams of the 1950s.
Ultimately, he made over 400 appearances and grabbed more than 100 goals for the Magpies, becoming a popular figure among the St. James’ Park faithful for his attacking prowess.
6. Andy Cole
A record of 64 goals in 84 games is enough to speak volumes of the player Andy Cole was one of the most prolific strikers of the early 90s, joining Newcastle from Bristol City in 1993.
A record transfer for the Toons at that time, he proved his worth in the first season, banging 34 goals in a single campaign which was surpassed by Erling Haaland’s 36 goals in his first season as well, for Manchester City.
Needless to say, but Cole won the Golden Boot and also picked up Newcastle’s Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year.
5. Rob Lee
Lee joined Newcastle United from Charlton Athletic in 1992 and got promoted to top-flight football in 1993. Rob enjoyed a decade at St. James’ Park, making 381 appearances and scoring 56 goals.
He played an integral part in Kevin Keegan’s side, nabbing two second-placed Premier League finishes and a 1995/96 PFA Team of the Year for the Magpies.
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4. Shay Given
Highly regarded as Newcastle United’s greatest goalkeepers of all time, Given reunited with old boss Kenny Dalglish from Blackburn Rovers in the summer of 1997, who made the Irish great one of his first signings at St. James’ Park.
In the next 12 years, Given made a name for himself as one of the best ‘keepers in the Premier League with 462 appearances in all competitions and winning consecutive Newcastle Player of the Year awards in 2005 and 2006.
3. Hughie Gallacher
A dangerous man in front of goal for Newcastle during the latter half of the 1920s, Hughie Gallacher carried the Magpies to the 1926/27 First Division title, scoring 36 times in 38 appearances.
Moved from Airdrieonians for a £6,500 acquisition in December 1925, the Scotland striker belongs right up there with Newcastle’s best-ever players and signings.
2. Peter Beardsley
An icon of the 90s Premier League, Peter Beardsley failed to make the cut at Newcastle as a youngster, but he climbed the ladder and made two subsequent stints on Tyneside.
He was first signed at St. James’ Park by Arthur Cox in 1983, and Beardsley was subsequently crowned the Magpies’ 1984/85 and 1985/86 Player of the Year.
Later, he left for Liverpool in 1987, but returned six years later, taking his Newcastle appearance to 326 and his goals tally 119 as one of Kevin Keegan’s most fearsome Entertainers.
1. Alan Shearer
At the top as Newcastle’s best signing and player, whether signed or home-grown, Alan Shearer has enjoyed a demi-god status at Tyneside and it’s very clear why.
After becoming a Premier League champion with Blackburn Rovers in 1994/95, Shearer cemented his status as one of greatest strikers of all time and later joined his hometown club in 1996 for a then world-record £15m.
In that decade at Newcastle, Shearer averaged better than a goal every other game, scoring 206 times in 405 appearances and winning the last of his three Premier League Golden Boots in Newcastle colours in 1996/97.
FAQs –
Who has the most expensive signing in Newcastle?
Alexander Isak for £58m
Who is the most famous Newcastle player?
Alan Shearer
Which Newcastle player gets paid the most?
Bruno Guimaraes is the highest-paid player at the club earning £ 200,000 per week including all bonuses
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