Newcastle United's most expensive transfers of all time [ranked]

Newcastle United have become a force in English football again, with many in the media commenting on how smart and conservative the Magpies have been in terms of spending since their Saudi-backed takeover was finally completed in October 2021.

With new financial rules set to change the landscape of the English Premier League, Newcastle United fans may be looking forward to a big summer of spending ahead.

We take a look at the top 20 most expensive signings in Newcastle's history. Exploring the transfers that broke club records, the transfers that flopped, and the transfers that have driven the club to where it is today.

Here is your ultimate guide to Newcastle United's most expensive transfers in history:

20. Alan Shearer

Position: Centre-Forward

Nationality: England

From: Blackburn Rovers (England)

Season: 96/97

Transfer Fee: €18 million

Alan Shearer, an iconic English striker, made history with his move to Newcastle from Blackburn, which at the time was a Premier League recording fee for a player. Alan Shearer went on to become a legendary figure for the Magpies, becoming Newcastle's all-time top scorer, and the Premier League's all-time top goalscorer with 148 goals.

19. Allan Saint-Maximin

Position: Left Winger

Nationality: France, Guadeloupe

From: OGC Nice (France)

Season: 19/20

Transfer Fee: €18 million

Allan Saint-Maximin, a dynamic French winger, arrived at Newcastle with flair and creativity, quickly becoming a fan favourite with his electrifying performances and skilful dribbling.

18. Florian Thauvin

Position: Right Winger

Nationality: France

From: Olympique Marseille (France)

Season: 15/16

Transfer Fee: €18.35 million

Florian Thauvin, a talented French winger, joined Newcastle with high expectations. After a disappointing spell, Thauvin left to return to Marseille, initially on loan, where he refound his form and re-joined the French side in 2017.

17. Aleksandar Mitrovic

Position: Centre-Forward

Nationality: Serbia

From: RSC Anderlecht (Belgium)

Season: 15/16

Transfer Fee: €18.5 million

Aleksandar Mitrovic, a fiery Serbian striker, made a significant move to Newcastle from Anderlecht, aiming to lead the line with his physicality and goal-scoring prowess. After three seasons and only 14 goals to his name, Mitrovic moved to Fulham in 2018 where he became a goalscoring sensation. Leaving Newcastle fans thinking about what could have been.

16. Georginio Wijnaldum

Position: Central Midfield

Nationality: Netherlands, Suriname

From: PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands)

Season: 15/16

Transfer Fee: €20 million

Georginio Wijnaldum, a versatile Dutch midfielder, arrived at Newcastle with a big price tag, bringing his technical skills and midfield presence to St James' Park. The Dutch midfielder became a favourite on Tyneside after just a season, but was sold to Liverpool following Newcastle's relegation to the EFL Champions in 2016.

15. Albert Luque

Position: Left Winger

Nationality: Spain

From: Deportivo de La Coruña (Spain)

Season: 05/06

Transfer Fee: €20 million

Albert Luque, a Spanish winger, joined Newcastle with expectations of providing width and creativity on the left flank, and the ability to play as a striker. However the Spaniard never reached the heights, like so many of Newcastle's most expensive transfers, and left for Ajax in 2007.

14. Callum Wilson

Position: Centre-Forward

Nationality: England

From: AFC Bournemouth (England)

Season: 20/21

Transfer Fee: €22.25 million

Callum Wilson, an English striker, arrived at Newcastle from Bournemouth with a proven goal-scoring record, aiming to lead the line and fire the Magpies to success. In May 2024, Callum Wilson became Newcastle United's second-top scorer in the Premier League with 47 goals. Second only to Alan Shear with 148 goals.

13. Miguel Almirón

Position: Right Winger

Nationality: Paraguay

From: Atlanta United FC (United States)

Season: 18/19

Transfer Fee: €24 million

Miguel Almirón, a skilful Paraguayan winger, made waves with his move from MLS to Newcastle, adding flair and creativity to the Magpies' attack. Almirón was adored at Atlanta United and has received similar levels of adoration at Newcastle, with his persistent smile and positive attitude winning over supporters.

12. Michael Owen

Position: Centre-Forward

Nationality: England

From: Real Madrid (Spain)

Season: 05/06

Transfer Fee: €25 million

Michael Owen, a renowned English striker, returned to the Premier League with Newcastle after his stint at Real Madrid, attempting to bring his goal-scoring pedigree to St James' Park. Owen only scored 26 goals in 71 matches for Newcastle, with his transfer ending bitterly after he refused to play in an important match to save Newcastle from relegation. After the relegation, Owen was released on a free transfer where he would join Manchester United, scoring only 5 goals in 31, representing how poor his form had become as a footballer. Michael Owen was well and truly a transfer to forget for Newcastle fans.

11. Joe Willock

Position: Central Midfield

Nationality: England, Montserrat

From: Arsenal FC (England)

Season: 21/22

Transfer Fee: €29.4 million

Joe Willock, a dynamic midfielder, made a significant move from Arsenal to Newcastle after he scored vital goals in a run of games to keep Newcastle in the Premier League. Willock has struggled with injuries, but has shown to be worth every penny that Newcastle paid for him.

10. Chris Wood

Position: Centre-Forward

Nationality: New Zealand

From: Burnley FC (England)

Season: 21/22

Transfer Fee: €30 million

Chris Wood, a prolific striker from New Zealand, brought his goal-scoring prowess to Newcastle from Burnley, aiming to bolster the team's attacking options. After playing a pivotal role in keeping Newcastle in the English Premier League in 2022, he was unexpectedly sold to Nottingham Forest to become a first-team regular.

9. Lewis Hall

Position: Left-Back

Nationality: England

From: Chelsea FC (England)

Season: 24/25

Transfer Fee: €32.5 million

Lewis Hall, a promising English left-back, joined Newcastle from Chelsea with high expectations, adding depth to the Magpies' defensive lineup.

8. Tino Livramento

Position: Right-Back

Nationality: England, Scotland

From: Southampton FC (England)

Season: 23/24

Transfer Fee: €37.2 million

Tino Livramento, an exciting English full-back, made a big-money move from Southampton to Newcastle, bringing pace and defensive solidity to the Magpies' backline.

7. Sven Botman

Position: Centre-Back

Nationality: Netherlands

From: LOSC Lille (France)

Season: 22/23

Transfer Fee: €37 million

Sven Botman, a talented Dutch defender, joined Newcastle from Lille with a hefty price tag. Botman has shored up the Magpies' defence with his strength and composure, and despite suffering an ACL injury in the 23/24 season, he is still considered one of the most promising defenders in the Premier League.

6. Bruno Guimarães

Position: Defensive Midfield

Nationality: Brazil, Spain

From: Olympique Lyon (France)

Season: 21/22

Transfer Fee: €42.1 million

Bruno Guimarães, a world-class versatile midfielder from Brazil, made a marquee signing for Newcastle from Lyon for just €42.1 million. Guimarães is now valued at €85 million by Transfermarkt, with his impressive performances as a deep-lying midfielder for Newcastle attracting Europe's elite teams.

5. Joelinton

Position: Central Midfield

Nationality: Brazil

From: TSG 1899 Hoffenheim (Germany)

Season: 19/20

Transfer Fee: €43.5 million

Joelinton, a Brazilian midfielder, made headlines with his club-record move from Hoffenheim to Newcastle. Signed initially as a striker, and after a shaky start, manager Eddie Howe transformed the Brazil international into an elite midfield enforcer. Known affectionately as 'J7' by the Toon Army, Joelinton has proven to be worth every penny that Newcastle paid for his services.

4. Harvey Barnes

Position: Left Winger

Nationality: England, Scotland

From: Leicester City (England)

Season: 23/24

Transfer Fee: €44 million

Harvey Barnes, an English winger, joined Newcastle from Leicester City with high expectations, bringing pace and creativity to the Magpies' starting XI.

3. Anthony Gordon

Position: Left Winger

Nationality: England

From: Everton FC (England)

Season: 22/23

Transfer Fee: €45.6 million

Anthony Gordon, a promising English winger, joined Newcastle from Everton in January 2023, for a reported €45.6 million. After a slow first six months, Anthony Gordon has become one of the most formidable wingers in the Premier League, and has received recognition at the international level by being handed his first England cap by Gareth Southgate.

2. Sandro Tonali

Position: Defensive Midfield

Nationality: Italy

From: AC Milan (Italy)

Season: 23/24

Transfer Fee: €64 million

Sandro Tonali, a talented Italian midfielder, shattered Newcastle's transfer record for a midfielder with his move from AC Milan for €64 million, aiming to dictate play and control the midfield for the Magpies. Whilst he suffered a 10-month ban due to betting breaches, it's deemed at Newcastle that the Italian international could eventually become club captain.

1. Alexander Isak

Position: Centre-Forward

Nationality: Sweden, Eritrea

From: Real Sociedad (Spain LaLiga)

Season: 22/23

Transfer Fee: €70 million

Alexander Isak, a highly-rated Swedish striker, became Newcastle's most expensive signing ever with his move from Real Sociedad for a staggering €70 million. Despite his injury woes, Alexander Isak has become one of the most prolific and exciting strikers in the Premier League. Isak has been compared to Thierry Henry, his quick feet, pace, and ability to score from acute angles, and his market valuation now is deemed to be well over €100 million.

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