1) Alan Shearer – 1996
Hope exists in many forms for any signing, and this is true of both the player and the club. They hope that they will make history together. Alan Shearer and Newcastle United re-wrote the Premier League history books, and what a magical ride it was.
A record-breaking fee at the time of £15 million brought the striker to his boyhood club in 1996, and 206 goals followed for the Magpies.
A classic English centre-forward, Shearer’s grit and desire were extremely admirable traits on the pitch. More times than not, he would simply out-work the opposition. However, his skill and strength were unstoppable.
Whether with his boots or with his head, the power that Shearer could create on the ball was mesmerising. He found success with several strike partners also, displaying a wonderful talent for adapting to the team around him.
Any Toon striker now has Shearer’s immense shadow cast over them, and his legendary status in the North East will always burn bright.
It is fascinating to look back that £15 million fee, and think what the forward might be worth today. With defenders now making that number look laughable, it is a stark reminder that we all live in a very different financial world when it comes to football.
Next: Sir Bobby Robson's 29 NUFC transfers ranked and rated
Alan Shearer is the Premier League’s all-time leading goalscorer with a total of 260. Newcastle United meant so much to him as a player, and he meant so much to the club.