Newcastle United are interested in rivalling West Ham United for the transfer of Armando Broja this summer, who would become the Toon’s ninth signing from Chelsea in the Premier League-era so far.
Eddie Howe has turned attentions to Stamford Bridge in his quest to add further attacking depth to his ranks at St James’ Park. Broja impressed during a loan spell with Southampton last season as the Albania striker enjoyed his first real experience of the English top-flight after one game for the Blues.
Frank Lampard gave Broja his senior debut in west London in March 2020 with a brief cameo against Everton. He would then spend the 2020/21 campaign in the Netherlands at VVV-Venlo, but returned to England last term at Southampton and struck six goals and one assist in 32 Premier League games.
Newcastle are interested in Broja transfer from Chelsea amid Ekitike frustrations
Now, The Northern Echo note Newcastle have informed Chelsea of Howe’s interest in Broja joining this summer. The club have begun advancing a pursuit of the Slough-born 20-year-old, after growing frustrated in efforts to sign Hugo Ekitike despite having a fee agreed with Stade Reims for their striker.
Toon chiefs have struggled to convince Ekitike of a move to Tyneside, but remain in contact with his representatives. Hope is not lost that the France U20 international will agree to a transfer, but plans are being put in place for possible alternatives as Newcastle accept they cannot wait around forever.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has many admirers at St James’, but Everton are not considering letting the England international leave Goodison Park. So, Newcastle have been focusing the club’s efforts on Howe’s interest in Broja after the Chelsea forward impressed during his season with Southampton.
Chelsea are ready to listen to offers for Broja, either for loan deals or a permanent transfer, as he is unlikely to get many minutes back at the Bridge under Thomas Tuchel. West Ham are also very keen on the 6 ft 3 marksman, with David Moyes holding talks with the Blues hierarchy over recent weeks.
The Express additionally report Broja will consider a move to West Ham, who are preparing a bid of around £25-30m. But 90min expect Chelsea will strive to earn more than £30m with Everton, Leeds United and Wolves among the clubs keeping a watch on developments in west London this summer.
Newcastle are ready to rival West Ham and any other potential suitor if Howe decides to advance his interest in Broja’s transfer from Chelsea, though. So, with that in mind, how did the previous eight to leave Stamford Bridge for St James’ Park perform during their respective careers in black-and-white?
Kenedy the last Chelsea player to join Newcastle for Broja to follow amid Howe’s interest
Kenedy is the most recent Chelsea player to join Newcastle for Broja to potentially now follow, amid Howe’s interest in his transfer. The Magpies loaned the Brazilian from the Blues in January 2018 and opted to bring him back for the 2018/19 campaign. But the midfielder disappointed in a full season.
The 26-year-old only offered three goals and three assists across 41 appearances in all competitions over his Tyneside stay. Just one of his goals and one assist also came in the ‘18/19 league season, as Kenedy started 14 of 25 games for Newcastle to baulk at paying Chelsea £30m, per Chronicle Live.
Newcastle made Atsu move permanent after initial loan spell from Chelsea
Newcastle raided Chelsea in August 2016 to loan Christian Atsu and agreed a permanent transfer for the Ghanaian a year later. He hit five goals and three assists in 32 appearances in the Championship to merit a £6m move, but added just three goals and seven assists in 89 games up to his exit in 2021.
Van Aanholt joined Newcastle on loan but would return to west London
Patrick van Aanholt joined Newcastle on loan in January 2010, but he would return to west London a month later. The Dutchman started all seven potential Championship games whilst on Tyneside, and would remain a part of Chelsea’s loan army until Sunderland secured a £1.5m transfer in July 2014.
Newcastle signed Chelsea’s two-time Premier League winner Geremi in free transfer
Newcastle signed Njitap Geremi in a free transfer in July 2007 after the Cameroonian’s contract had expired with Chelsea. The midfielder enjoyed four years in west London after leaving Real Madrid for £7m that featured two Premier League titles, but would only make 54 Toon outings through to 2010.
Duff described his Newcastle spell as a ‘disaster’ after relegating the Magpies
Damien Duff sealed a £5m move to Newcastle in 2006 after two Premier League titles with Chelsea. But the Republic of Ireland midfielder would return to west London at Fulham in 2009, just months after his own goal relegated the Toon and later told FourFourTwo his Tyneside spell was a ‘disaster’.
Chelsea accepted financial hit to offload Parker after one year
Chelsea accepted a financial hit to sell Scott Parker to Newcastle after one year at Stamford Bridge. The Blues paid Charlton Athletic £10m for the midfielder in 2004, yet accepted the Magpies’ £6.5m bid after 29 games. He would go on to play 73 times with United before joining West Ham for £7m.
Babayaro enjoyed lengthy Chelsea career before Tyneside switch in 2005
Celestine Babayaro enjoyed a lengthy career at Chelsea after the Nigeria left-back moved to England from RSC Anderlecht in 1997. He spent the next eight years at the Bridge before joining Newcastle in 2005, for three years and 68 appearances up to a move to the United States at MLS giants LA Galaxy.
Newcastle agreed first Premier League-era transfer with Chelsea for Charvet
Newcastle agreed the club’s first transfer with Chelsea in the Premier League-era in Laurent Charvet. The right-back moved to St James’ in the summer of 1998, just months after moving to England with the Blues from Cannes. But he only played in 53 games through to 2000 and joining Manchester City.
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