Moussa Sissoko is now an established Premier League player for Tottenham Hotspur under Jose Mourinho, but before then he was playing for Newcastle United when a fan would often shout “comeon” when the Frenchman was on the ball.
Signed for a mere £1.8 million from French club FC Toulouse on the 21st January 2013, manager at the time Alan Pardew was very pleased with his capture:
“This transfer window has proved very productive for us and Moussa arriving today is a massive plus for the Club.
“He will bring drive and energy to the squad, he is a winner and that’s why I’m especially pleased to have him with us,” the 59-year old claimed, according to the official website of the Tyneside club.
Indeed, Sissoko’s debut term at St. James’ Park was not a bad one at all, as he managed to score three goals and make a further three assists in 18 games in all competitions from the heart of the midfield, as per Transfermarkt.
His market value by the end of the 2012/13 season rose up to £10.8 million, and so the £1.8 million paid for to get his signature over the dotted line was already looking like a bargain.
The 31-year old would go on to play in a further 115 matches in all competitions over the next three campaigns, netting nine more times and providing a further 16 assists (via Transfermarkt).
Sissoko’s market value while in the North East would rise to a peak £13.5 million before moving to Spurs in for a mammoth £31.5 million transfer fee on Deadline Day in the summer window of 2016.
Given that the Magpies initially paid £1.8 million for his services, they made a quite staggering 1650% profit.
The French international still remains in North London, where he has made 160 appearances so far over the last four consecutive terms, but he has only managed to bag just four strikes and produce 15 assists (per Transfermarkt), which is arguably a poor return for a midfield player.
Given also that his market value only increased to a high £22.5 million while playing for the Lilywhites, it seems as if the Toon have done great business selling Sissoko when they did for the huge amount of money that they got for him.
However, NUFC fans will be hoping that he does not come back to haunt them in the new 2020/21 season.
