6. Sylvain Distin - Loaned From Paris Saint-Germain And Not Retained (2001-02)
Newcastle United Appearances (2001-02): 35 Newcastle United Goals: 0 International Appearances for France (Goals): 0 (0) Clubs (Since Leaving NUFC): Manchester City (2002-07), Portsmouth (2007-09), Everton (2009-15) Career Appearances (Since Leaving NUFC): 511 Career Goals (Since Leaving NUFC): 11 A controversial addition to the list this may be seeing as Sylvain Distin opted for Manchester City over Newcastle United due to the higher pay packet on offer, but with hindsight it appears as if the Magpies should have pushed the financial boat out in order to secure the Frenchman's signature. A fine season on loan at the Magpies from Paris Saint-Germain in 2001-02 - when the Magpies qualified for the Champions League - saw an offer placed for Distin, but the 6ft 4in defender instead opted for Man City. Since then, Distin has made 511 appearances for the Citizens, Portsmouth and Everton - and has performed consistently at both centre-back and full-back. If Distin had remained at St James' Park for a longer period, the Magpies may have performed better defensively. Surely Newcastle regret ever allowing him to leave.
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
