10 Shocking Newcastle United Departures That No One Saw Coming

7. Andy Cole (Sold To Man United In January 1995)

Andy Cole was suddenly sold in a shock move to Manchester United in January 1995 for a deal worth £7 million setting a new record for the most expensive British transfer. He scored 55 league goals in 70 games for the Magpies and the player himself admitted that he enjoyed his time at the club before falling out with manager Kevin Keegan. The transfer left fans shell-shocked and Cole said even he never thought that Newcastle would sell him to another English club. Keegan was keen to build the team around the striker and said the deal was a "footballing decision" and nothing more as he explained his decision to disgruntled Geordies on the steps of St James€™ Park. Cole, who chose not to play for Manchester United as his first game was against Newcastle, went on to score 93 league goals in 195 games and win the Premier League five times.