Injury nightmare pushes Slimani close as 18-cap figure heads top-five worst Newcastle loan flops
1. Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Gonzalez
Signed from: Valencia – Appearances: 2 – Goals: 0
The most infamous of loan signings the club has ever completed, not many players can claim to be a direct reason behind the departure of one of the club’s legends as manager.
However, that claim to fame is something Gonzalez will have around his neck until the end of time.
The attacking midfielder was brought to St James’ Park back in 2008, although, as it turned out, it was a move which was against then-manager Kevin Keegan’s wishes, which was a catalyst to his departure not soon after.
Two appearances in, Gonzalez suffered a severe injury and never appeared for the club again, but his name popped up in 2009 as Keegan won a lawsuit over his signing, the deal being judged to be in breach of the former England star’s contract as manager.
A complete farce of a loan move, Gonzalez somehow managed to pick up 18 caps for Uruguay, but in spite of his international recognition is well deserving of top place on this list.
In other Newcastle United news, the club must break the hearts of their rivals by snapping up a £20million maestro.