10 Shocking Newcastle United Departures That No One Saw Coming

6. Jonathan Woodgate (Sold To Real Madrid In August 2004)

Jonathan Woodgate signed for Newcastle United in January 2003 for £9 million and quickly established himself as one of the best central defenders ever to have played for the club. His transfer to Real Madrid in 2004 for £13 million was not only to shocking to Newcastle fans but also to the rest of the footballing world. The defender had picked up a serious injury towards the end of his first season on Tyneside and was still injured when the Spanish giants signed him. When he eventually made his debut a year after signing he scored an own-goal and was sent off. Bobby Robson (who was manager at the time) said he was sad to see Woodgate leave the club but stated that the club could not accept such an extreme, exceptional offer.