Despite admittedly signing the odd standout talent on the rare occasion, such as this summer’s impressive capture of Georginio Wijnaldum, Newcastle United have hardly gone down as the Premier League’s most successful club in the transfer market throughout the years.
From the likes of Emmanuel Riviere, Remy Cabella and Facundo Ferreyra failing to work out at St. James’ in recent seasons, to certain forgettable stars of yesteryear – such as Xisco and Albert Luque – falling short of delivering the goods on Tyneside for one reason or another, the Magpies could certainly do with a little more fortune when it comes to landing potential big name players at their club.
So then, even though much was expected of former Ajax captain and Netherlands international – Siem de Jong – when he first joined the Premier League outfit last summer, it hasn’t been a total surprise to witness yet another high profile move in the North East fall victim to some serious bad luck.
The now 26-year-old has suffered a series of frustrating injury set-backs during his ill-fated time at St. James’, subsequently ruling him out of a great deal of important first team action for the Magpies.
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With everything that’s already gone wrong for the Dutchman on Tyneside, just how successful can the cultured midfielder prove for Newcastle United in the long-run?
Will Steve McClaren’s determined no. 10 force himself back into the Magpies starting XI sooner rather than later, or is Siem de Jong simply all but finished at the club already?
Well, after suffering a series of testing thigh injuries and an unfortunate collapsed lung upon signing for Newcastle last season, Siem de Jong has certainly experienced his fair share of off-field problems among the English top-flight. He may well have improved his overall health now that the 2015/16 campaign has been underway for some time of course – but the Dutch international nonetheless remains a long way off full fitness at this current stage in the proceedings.
The 26-year-old has only managed to start one solitary game for the Magpies in over a year on Tyneside. Because of the extent of his time forcibly spent on the side-lines, de Jong has ultimately looked out of shape since pulling his Newcastle colours back on, his legs are currently unable to carry him for the majority of the 90 minutes, and the Dutchman’s overall ability in front of goal has looked temporarily questionable as a result.
Such an unpromising outcome therefore remains a great shame for Steve McClaren and the St. James’ faithful. Alongside Newcastle’s growing contingency of Dutch talent among their current ranks – including certain names such as Daryl Janmaat, Vurnon Anita, Tim Krul, and of course, the aforementioned Georginio Wijnaldum – Siem de Jong could have really made a great impact on Tyneside had circumstances proven more accommodating.
Prior to making his switch to the Premier League last summer, this was a player who seemingly went about his business with a very strong reputation under his belt. The former Ajax man had proven himself to be a great leader whilst operating Amsterdam Arena. He was also someone who could dictate play almost at will, his vision across the park was certainly something to be admired – and when it came to registering himself on the score-sheet at a frequent enough rate – Siem de Jong rarely disappointed.
Newcastle could certainly do with a little leadership quality out on the field at the moment however, for without such a desperately essential trait present among McClaren’s current starting XI, the Magpies have often looked distinctly lost and short of ideas. Yes – the Tynesiders may well have shown a fair amount of promise if nothing else in their last few outings, but a dirty relegation dog-fight nonetheless awaits the St. James’ faithful unless their team somehow manage to turn things around rather dramatically this term.
In the end, Siem de Jong’s unfortunate fate at Newcastle has been one of many problems afflicting the North East club in recent years. Although he could certainly turn out to be a top player for the Magpies should he eventually get enough game time at the club – proving himself fully fit throughout the course of this season will likely prove a task much easier said than done.
Therefore, whilst the former Netherlands international is by no means to blame for his distinct lack of luck on Tyneside, Siem de Jong currently goes down as yet another wasted move in the transfer market from the Magpies.
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