Newcastle finally broke their transfer record when they completed a £20million deal to sign Miguel Almiron from MLS side Atlanta United.
That fee for the Paraguay playmaker eclipses the £15m they forked out to sign Michael Owen from Real Madrid back in 2005.
Over the years, St James’ Park has witnessed a number of great players wear the famous black and white shirt, but who has been the best?
talkSPORT.com has selected five of Newcastle‘s best ever signings.
5. Laurent Robert
A true fan favourite, Robert was already a French international when he arrived in 2001 and played for PSG, but it was at Newcastle he really made his mark.
His wand of a left-foot was truly a sight to behold, and such was his set piece ability, he established himself as Newcastle’s first-choice free-kick taker, no mean feat with the likes of Shearer and Nolberto Solano in the team.
Strikes against Derby, Manchester United and Tottenham are still fondly remembered to this day, as was his understanding down the left with full-back and fellow countryman Olivier Bernard.
4. Hatem Ben Arfa
The mercurial Frenchman initially arrived at Newcastle on loan and soon made an impact with a stunning strike in a 1-0 win over Everton. A broken leg meant he was sidelined for the remainder of that season, but he had done enough to sign permanently.
On his day, Ben Arfa was easily one of the best players in the Premier League, capable of the sublime and downright spectacular; think his strike against Aston Villa on his weaker foot or the stunning solo goal against Bolton.
Hindsight is a fine thing and many Newcastle fans do wonder how he would have fared alongside the likes of Shearer, Kieran Dyer and co when Newcastle were in their pomp.
3. Gary Speed
Kenny Dalglish struck the deal for Speed, who was the consummate professional. His impact was not only felt on the field, the Welshman was very much a respected member of the dressing room.
The former Everton and Leeds midfielder quickly became a fan favourite on Tyneside following his arrival in 1998 and was a mainstay in Sir Bobby Robson’s side, making 285 appearances and scoring 40 times in his seven seasons at the club.
2. Shay Given
Another Dalglish signing, Given was arguably one of the most important.
He immediately established himself in the team as number one ahead of Pavel Srníček, Shaka Hislop and Steve Harper and was quickly recognised as one of the league’s best keepers.
In 462 appearances, Given was one of the first names on the team sheet and was an integral member of the side in the 00’s that challenged for the title and competed in the Champions League.
1. Alan Shearer
Since a knee injury that led to his retirement 13 years ago, Newcastle have never truly replaced the great man.
Record goalscorer, captain and at one time, the world-record transfer when he joined for £15m in 1996, Shearer is without doubt a Newcastle legend.
A robust, old-fashioned centre forward, Shearer was the ultimate striker and could score all types of goals, blockbuster shots, ferocious volleys, tap-ins, penalties and free-kicks.
An unparalleled 206 goals for Newcastle is unlikely to ever be matched and he is also the Premier League’s greatest ever goalscorer. Indeed, Shearer was the complete finisher.