Newcastle United January loan deals: The 10 flops & success stories from the winter window
The Algerian was Steve Bruce’s first winter window signing with the manager eyeing at least another one or two between now and the end of next week.
Here Tom Simmonds takes a look at how the previous ten players to have been brought in on loan during the winter window have fared during their time on Tyneside.
1. Antonio Barreca - January 2019
Signed from Monaco, the Italian was brought in to play at left back yet he played just four competitive minutes. Barreca does hold an unusual record however as the only Newcastle player to have made their sole competitive appearance at Wembley. Verdict: 1/10 Photo: Paolo Rattini
2. Kenedy - January 2018
The Brazilian impressed early on meaning he was kept on at Newcastle for the 2018-19 season. He couldn’t keep this form and became the only player to complete a Premier League half without a successful pass since 2010. Newcastle decided not to take up the option to buy. Verdict: 6/10 Photo: Michael Regan
3. Islam Slimani - January 2018
Despite joining in January, a thigh injury meant it took until the 31st March to make his debut. He showed glimpses of what he could do but a violent conduct ban in May effectively ended his season. Verdict: 3/10 Photo: OLI SCARFF
4. Martin Dubravka - January 2018
One of the few successes on this list, the Slovakian shot stopper made his debut for the club in February making a number of key saves in a 1-0 win over Manchester United. That season he just kept improving and was kept permanently, becoming a key figure at the club. Verdict: 9/10 Photo: Marc Atkins