To the surprise of Newcastle fans everywhere, the Magpies had a great transfer window.
The arrivals of Callum Wilson, Jeff Hendrick, Ryan Fraser and Jamal Lewis have turned Newcastle United from a relegation teasing side into top ten contenders and maybe more.
They’ve had a flying start to the season, and manager Steve Bruce has the side playing a better, more entertaining brand of football than the club have managed in recent seasons.
But while those turning out at St James’ Park look quality, what about those that Bruce has let go during his time at the club?
We take a look at how they’re getting on.
Ayoze Perez
Leicester City picked up Ayoze Perez from Newcastle for a whopping £30million, and managed eight goals in 33 Premier League appearances for the Foxes.
The winger has adapted well to life at the King Power stadium, accepting a less high-profile role in the team, and is used by Brendan Rodgers somewhat sparingly.
The Spaniard usually makes the first team, but is regularly withdrawn after 60 minutes. He also seems to be the first name sacrificed when Leicester are lining up more defensively.
Perez may slip under the radar but played a vital role in helping Leicester into the top five last season, and Rodgers certainly rates him.
Joselu
After two largely uninspiring seasons in the Premier League, Bruce let Joselu go to Alaves for £2m.
The target man has since thrived at the Spanish club. While his game time may be limited, the striker managed six in 13 La Liga matches last season, beating his tally for either season in the English top flight.
Looks a talented player again.
Sung-Yeung Ki
Sung-Young Ki enjoyed sporadic patches of game time during two seasons at St James’ Park, and was shifted on to Mallorca by Bruce in the January transfer window.
One game, one huge pandemic and one ankle injury meant that his time in Spain was brief to say the least.
He has since returned to FC Seoul, where he is a regular in the first team again.
Mohamed Diame
Mohamed Diame became a very familiar face in the north=east, turning out for Newcastle 103 times during his three seasons with the club.
But once his contract came to an end, Bruce was happy to let him go, and the player signed a two-year deal with Qatari side Al-Ahli.
At 33 years old, the central midfielder still churns out regular minutes.
Dan Barlaser
Dan Barlaser turned out for the Magpies just twice in his six years of being connected with the club.
And Bruce decided that those two FA Cup appearances were simply not enough.
Barlaser spent last season out on loan with Rotherham, and signed with the Championship club permanently this summer for around £250,000.
Jack Colback
Jack Colback had a rollercoaster ride of a time at St James’ Park.
A nailed-on first-team member five years ago, Colback was one of the first names on the team sheet for two seasons in the Premier League. Newcastle were then relegated, and Colback made a further 29 appearances in the Championship as Newcastle were promoted.
Back in the Premier League and Colback was ousted from the side, sent on loan to Nottingham Forest for two seasons running.
As his contract with Newcastle expired this summer, he signed permanently with Forest on a free transfer.
