Newcastle United's Inaugural Summer Signings In The Mike Ashley Era - Ranked Worst To Best

• Arrived: 11 July 2015 from PSV Eindhoven

• Fee Paid: £14.5 million

Despite the fact he's yet to clock a single minute of competitive football as a Newcastle player, Wijnaldum is immediately elevated above the erstwhile duo on this list because of the giant wave of optimism that accompanied his arrival on Tyneside.

Only 20 minutes had elapsed in Wijnaldum's first training session as a Newcastle player when he offered his new teammates, head coach Steve McClaren and supporters, still riding the crest of that wave, a taste of what is to come next season, hypnotising his marker with some elegant footwork before rifling a scorching strike into the top corner past a motionless Freddy Woodman.

Inevitably the goal found its way onto social media, via the curious portal of a six-second clip on Wijnaldum's twitter account, and sent supporters soaring with delight. 

Making his debut as a 69th minute substitute in the second match of Newcastle's tour of the United States, a 1-0 victory over Sacramento Republic, supporters were afforded a brief glimpse of Wijnaldum and how he'll fit into McClaren's team next season. WhatCultureNUFC understands he will play as a box-to-box midfielder in a 4-2-3-1, commonly referred to as a 'Double 6' formation, partnered by either Jack Colback, Vurnon Anita or, when he's fit again, Cheick Tiote.

The Dutchman then demonstrated why Newcastle have shelled out £14.5 million to acquire his services, registering his first goal in a black and white shirt just six minutes into his full debut against Portland Timbers 2, displaying great awareness, technique and timing to convert Massadio Haidara's whipped cross from eight-yards.

Another goal followed in the friendly at Sheffield United last Sunday, again exhibiting the prowess that saw him score 18 times for PSV last season, quickly seizing upon a loose ball and calmly slotting home from close range to give NUFC the lead in a match that ended 2-2.

Is he the long-term replacement for Yohan Cabaye that Newcastle have been crying out for since the France international's departure 18-months prior?

The early evidence suggests so.