Newcastle United: Top five all-time transfer deadline day misses

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LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 13: Seydou Doumbia of Newcastle United in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge on February 13, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /

Seydou Doumbia (2016)

January of 2016 was a nervous and anxious time at St. James’ Park. A relegation battle was in plain sight, and the Magpies did what they could to fight against the drop in the transfer market.

Enter AS Roma striker Seydou Doumbia, and he unfortunately did little to help prevent what was to come. Newcastle finished 18th in the table and had to prepare for a season in the English Championship.

Steve McClaren added the Ivorian on loan to help keep the side up, but Doumbia’s fitness and form ultimately did not allow him to flourish. The forward made only three appearances (all as a substitute) and scored no goals.

McClaren only lasted another month after Doumbia arrived, and Rafa Benitez did not view him as a viable option at the top of the line-up.

The Magpies’ new manager stayed with the team, and led them back to the top flight.

The irony of the entire situation is that Doumbia’s form was spectacular on either side of his time at St. James’ Park. Months spent with CSKA Moscow before he arrived on Tyneside were productive, as were his goalscoring numbers at FC Basel last term.

The timing was just not right, and both sides have moved on. But frustration levels were high when Seydou Doumbia was a part of Newcastle United.

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