Newcastle United’s top ten transfers of the Premier League era
By Roy Emanuel
8) David Ginola – 1995
When a team are ready to reach a new level, it requires making a move for a player who can advance what is trying to be accomplished. Manager Kevin Keegan wanted “The Entertainers” to become a contender in Europe along with England, and he pushed to add a significant attacking option in 1995.
David Ginola arrived at Newcastle United from Paris Saint-Germain for £2.5 million, and chose the Magpies despite attracting attention from several other sides keen on him.
The Frenchman is a noted admirer of Spanish football, with Real Madrid and Barcelona both showing interest at the time. Obviously PSG was not the global superpower that they are now, and Ginola was ready for a new challenge.
Sir Bobby Robson was leading the Blaugrana the following year, and was said to have been anxious to have the forward with Barcelona. Ginola’s ability to get past defenders and create scoring opportunities was astounding, and he was definitely a dangerous weapon in the final third.
Unfortunately, it was the changes and how quickly they arrived that ended his time on Tyneside prematurely. Ginola’s relationship with Kenny Dalglish saw the player depart after only two seasons to join Tottenham.
Bold decisions are needed to conquer new territory, and that is what Newcastle United had in mind when they signed David Ginola.