Hendrick’s value to Newcastle isn’t defined by his free transfer

Jeff Hendrick has officially joined Newcastle United on a free transfer, which doesn’t mean he’s not a worthy signing.

After weeks of rumors and speculation of interest from other clubs, Jeff Hendrick has officially signed with Newcastle United. The club announced the move today as the former Burnley man inked his four year-deal. Hendrick will be a welcome addition to the club, despite criticisms about him being a free agent this summer.

There is a negative stigma that goes along with free transfers. Fans act as if the only players that move in that fashion are just players left in the garbage heap that have no value and are only used to fill a roster.

But, just in the past decade, players at the top of their game like Paul Pogba, Andrea Pirlo, and Robert Lewandowski (who you may have watched hoist the Champions League trophy yesterday) have all moved to new clubs via free transfer. Of course, Jeff Hendrick isn’t anywhere near that elite level. But, what about a player like James Milner moving from City to Liverpool on a free? He has been crucial for the Premier League title-winning side and has a Champions League trophy to show for it, too.

Hendrick is a proven starting-caliber player in the Premier League that does not require a transfer fee. He immediately boosts the midfield group and will absolutely challenge for minutes as the starter and is an experienced national team player for the Republic of Ireland.

Acquiring a player like that without having to pay another club is simply smart business and leaves a lot of room for positive return on investment. If they end up selling him, that transfer fee is automatically a profit on him. Let’s hope Hendrick proves the doubters wrong and is a key contributor for at least the four years he’s signed for.