Newcastle sign Georginio Wijnaldum

[Lidl]

Seems like he played more reserved for PSV as a CM in a midfield 3.

[Seagull]

Hypothetically, would people have preferred Wijnaldum over Cabaye had there been the option? I know most people would say yes now but, playing devil's advocate, he's untested in this league and more likely to move on after a couple of years.

(Don't get me wrong I'm very happy we've got him over the line)

[Graw]

Really happy with this signing.

[MitroLand]

Hypothetically, would people have preferred Wijnaldum over Cabaye had there been the option? I know most people would say yes now but, playing devil's advocate, he's untested in this league and more likely to move on after a couple of years.

(Don't get me wrong I'm very happy we've got him over the line)

Tough one that. Cabaye was one of the best midfielders I've seen play for us (after Rob Lee) so would've been great to have him back but it's a bit like getting back with an ex - it's rarely as good second time round.
Premier League experience is valuable and less risk with Cabaye but Wijnaldum is younger, more exciting and arguably has more potential, so I'm happy with how it has worked out!

[DR Congo's Wissa's Marvellous Grin]

I love Cabaye from the bottom of my penis. But if Wij is nearly as good as everyone thinks he is, he's the better option. Dearer in terms of fee, but wages would be lower (Cabaye on 100k at Palace apparently), and a lot younger. Much more potential. Sort of similar to when we signed Cabaye in a way. Title winning captain from a relatively weaker league. Cost a lot more obviously, but the game has changed now.

I still wished we'd brought Cabaye back, but I think this deal could be fantastic, especially over the long term. #WelcomeGigi

[The Deluded Pablo Diego Jose Francisco]

I love Cabaye from the bottom of my penis. But if Wij is nearly as good as everyone thinks he is, he's the better option. Dearer in terms of fee, but wages would be lower (Cabaye on 100k at Palace apparently), and a lot younger. Much more potential. Sort of similar to when we signed Cabaye in a way. Title winning captain from a relatively weaker league. Cost a lot more obviously, but the game has changed now.

I still wished we'd brought Cabaye back, but I think this deal could be fantastic, especially over the long term. #WelcomeGigi

[DR Congo's Wissa's Marvellous Grin]

I love Cabaye from the bottom of my penis. But if Wij is nearly as good as everyone thinks he is, he's the better option. Dearer in terms of fee, but wages would be lower (Cabaye on 100k at Palace apparently), and a lot younger. Much more potential. Sort of similar to when we signed Cabaye in a way. Title winning captain from a relatively weaker league. Cost a lot more obviously, but the game has changed now.

I still wished we'd brought Cabaye back, but I think this deal could be fantastic, especially over the long term. #WelcomeGigi

<perv>

[bodacious benny]

I love Cabaye from the bottom of my penis. But if Wij is nearly as good as everyone thinks he is, he's the better option. Dearer in terms of fee, but wages would be lower (Cabaye on 100k at Palace apparently), and a lot younger. Much more potential. Sort of similar to when we signed Cabaye in a way. Title winning captain from a relatively weaker league. Cost a lot more obviously, but the game has changed now.

I still wished we'd brought Cabaye back, but I think this deal could be fantastic, especially over the long term. #WelcomeGigi

You'll fit in well here

[Duke]

<gael>

[asbo]

This is probably the biggest surprise off the Ashley era. Big money signing, really exciting talented footballer.

McLaren's really going to get the best out of this lad.

[biggeordiedave]

This is probably the biggest surprise off the Ashley era. Big money signing, really exciting talented footballer.

McLaren's really going to get the best out of this lad.

How long do you think we'll get before he inexplicably turns s***?

[Aldridge Prior]

This is probably the biggest surprise off the Ashley era. Big money signing, really exciting talented footballer.

McLaren's really going to get the best out of this lad.

How long do you think we'll get before he inexplicably turns s***?

I'll give him 9 months before he's McClaren'd

[Heisen]

Hypothetically, would people have preferred Wijnaldum over Cabaye had there been the option? I know most people would say yes now but, playing devil's advocate, he's untested in this league and more likely to move on after a couple of years.

(Don't get me wrong I'm very happy we've got him over the line)

Good question. At the start of the window I think the majority (myself included) would have preferred Cabaye back, but after doing some research and hearing the glowing recommendations from others, I think we've made the better choice. Wijnaldum has more potential, it's certainly a bigger risk, but we could have secured a real gem here.

[Amnesiac]

This is probably the biggest surprise off the Ashley era. Big money signing, really exciting talented footballer.

McLaren's really going to get the best out of this lad.

How long do you think we'll get before he inexplicably turns s***?

How long before people start spelling McClaren's name right?

[Over The Line]

How long do you think we'll get before he inexplicably turns s***?

How long before people start spelling McClaren's name right?

Probably when people start spelling Hughton right.

[Sanchino]

Brilliant signing. The club showing some statement and ambition. Finally. Just need to back up with a few more big signings and should be good to go to challenge the top-half of the table.

[safehands]

Excited for this signing, might just be a natural reaction because we actually signed somebody though! He looks like he's genuinely falling in love with the place / club already, seems to be happy wherever he goes and that video of him seeing the inside of the church for the first time reminded me of my first time.

Also reminded me of the first time I went to SJP.

[Over The Line]

Also reminded me of the first time I went to SJP.

[biggeordiedave]

Excited for this signing, might just be a natural reaction because we actually signed somebody though! He looks like he's genuinely falling in love with the place / club already, seems to be happy wherever he goes and that video of him seeing the inside of the church for the first time reminded me of my first time.

Also reminded me of the first time I went to SJP.

It's not like he would walk in and call it a "lopsided shithole" is it? .

[safehands]

Excited for this signing, might just be a natural reaction because we actually signed somebody though! He looks like he's genuinely falling in love with the place / club already, seems to be happy wherever he goes and that video of him seeing the inside of the church for the first time reminded me of my first time.

Also reminded me of the first time I went to SJP.

It's not like he would walk in and call it a "lopsided shithole" is it? .

True enough but I've seen players with faces like slapped arses most of the time. Have you ever seen Janmaat smile?