High-profile hitmen who have made a minimal impact have become something of an unfortunate recurrence on Tyneside, and one man who falls squarely into that category is Siem De Jong.
The Dutchman arrived at St. James’ Park in 2014 for a fee of just under £8 million, but he managed just two goals in 26 outings before being shipped out on loan to PSV Eindhoven, and eventually back to Ajax on a permanent deal.
In a recent interview with Voetbal Primeur, the 32-year-old opened up on his injury struggles in the north east, but has now gone further – expressing his regret at not trying to stick around to make a more meaningful impact on the Premier League.
Speaking to Voetbal International, he said: “In retrospect I say: I perhaps should have fought a little longer for my chance at Newcastle United.
"I was allowed to leave at one point and then went back to the Netherlands despite a long contract.
“There were also other boys who were allowed to leave, who later fought back. Maybe I should have been a little more patient too”.
There’s no doubting, that De Jong could have been a real asset for the Magpies, had he managed to replicate the kind of form that saw him score 88 goals in 277 career appearances for Ajax.
Elsewhere, financial guru Kieran Maguire has suggested that the Toon Army present a more attractive purchase option to American billionaire Joseph DaGrosa than Premier League rivals Southampton because of their stadium.
The Athletic reported earlier in the week that the mogul has serious interest in the Magpies and the Saints, as well as West Ham and Crystal Palace, but Maguire believes that St. James’ Park could be a big enough prize to tempt him into focusing his attentions on the north east.
Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “I don’t think there would be much difference. They are looking at it purely from an investment perspective.
“Newcastle clearly has the potential because it’s a big city. Southampton’s a one-club city but the capacity of St. Mary’s is significantly lower than St. James’ Park.”
We’ve gathered the rest of today's Premier League gossip below:
5. Juve priced out of De Paul move
Juventus will not be able to match Udinese's £30 million asking price for Rodrigo De Paul. That could put Leeds United in the driving seat for the Argentine. (Calcio Mercato) (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images) Photo: Gabriele Maltinti
6. Leeds linked with Liverpool five
Liverpool could look to offer Xherdan Shaqiri, Harry Wilson, Sheyi Ojo, Mario Grujic, or Divock Origi to Leeds United in a bid to lure Raphinha to Anfield. (Express) (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) Photo: Justin Setterfield
7. De Jong opens up on Newcastle exit
Siem De Jong has revealed that he wishes he had "fought a little longer" for his chance to prove himself at Newcastle United. (Voetbal International) (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images) Photo: Matt King
8. Newcastle better option for DaGrosa than Southampton
Newcastle United would be a better purchase option for American billionaire Joseph DaGrosa than Southampton, according to football finance expert Kieran Maguire. (Football Insider) (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) Photo: Catherine Ivill