Many Newcastle supporters have been sharing their regret at seeing Moussa Sissoko and Georginio Wijnaldum ply their trade on the continent this week, more so the Dutchman, after the pair left Tyneside for ventures new over the last few years.
Both midfielders left St James’ Park in the summer of 2016 after we slipped out of the top-flight, having won nine games all season, and are now loving life at sides competing for a place in the Champions League Final.
At the time, losing Sissoko was no real shame, as the Frenchman was hardly awe-inspiring, but Wijnaldum had been our top goalscorer that year with eleven top-flight strikes.
Even in North London, it was not until the current campaign that Sissoko stepped out of his own shadow and became a key player for Mauricio Pochettino, having moved to White Hart Lane for a staggering £30million.
Wijnaldum, meanwhile, had been an in-and-out option for Jurgen Klopp after his £25million move three years ago, but has likewise established himself in the Reds’ starting XI this season, and rarely misses a minute for the Anfield outfit.
The Dutchman’s versatility has also been an appealing aspect for his German head coach this term, and he started the 28-year-old as the centre-forward against FC Barcelona in the absence of Roberto Firmino.
Sissoko, on the other hand, earned the call off the bench in Tottenham’s home defeat to Ajax on Tuesday night, when Jan Vertonghen could not continue through injury, to mark his eighth appearance in the premier UEFA competition this season.
Seeing the duo playing in the Champions League, while we look to end the season as strongly as possible in the bottom half of the Premier League, though, has led to some fans to regret their departures…
Card
Card
Card
Card
Card
Card
Card
Card
Card