Newcastle United: Top five all-time transfer deadline day misses
By Roy Emanuel
Ignacio Gonzalez (2008)
The final installment of our list returns to 2008, and the end of club legend Kevin Keegan’s second run as manager. Unrest between the coach and ownership reached a boiling point, and the player that finally severed ties was Ignacio “Nacho” Gonzalez.
The Uruguayan midfielder was signed on-loan from Valencia on summer deadline day, and set off a series of events that are still felt even now. Only days later, Keegan left amidst frustrations with Mike Ashley and executive director Dennis Wise.
The Newcastle boss wanted no part of the Gonzalez transfer, but the move was made despite assurance that he would have a say in all potential signings. The South American’s time at Newcastle was a nightmare, as he made only two appearances for the club.
In a bizarre and fascinating twist, an ensuing legal battle brought to light that Wise instructed Keegan to watch clips of his new player on YouTube (which provides a laugh or two below).
Gonzalez was a player that literally made no impact on the pitch, but sent shockwaves off it. His signing completely destroyed the relationship between the club and one of their all-time important figures.
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Deadline day in the Premier League is bound to see a new set of surprises for Newcastle United and other sides. But none will likely ever produce the infuriating response that Nacho Gonzalez brought nine years ago.