Newcastle has been busy in the transfer market this summer, but the Magpies have also turned to free transfers in the past — including Liverpool icons John Barnes and Ian Rush
09:06, 12 Jul 2026
Eddie Howe's Newcastle endured a difficult 2025/26 season
Eddie Howe's Newcastle endured a difficult 2025/26 season(Image: Getty Images)
Newcastle has experienced a busy transfer window thus far, marked by notable exits and new arrivals.
Eddie Howe's squad endured a disappointing season last term, securing 12th place in the Premier League. While there were some impressive performances in the Champions League, the Magpies ultimately finished without any silverware.
Fans have also been left dismayed as several pivotal players have departed St. James' Park this summer. Kieran Trippier, Anthony Gordon, and Sandro Tonali have all moved on to fresh challenges across Spain and England. Bruno Guimaraes has also been linked with a move to Arsenal this summer, compounding the mounting disappointment among an already disheartened fanbase.
Howe has strengthened his squad in the wake of these exits, securing Ewen Jaouen from Stade de Reims, Bazoumana Toure from TSG Hoffenheim, and most recently, Ajax's Sean Steur. While these acquisitions cost the north-east outfit more than $100 million combined, the Newcastle manager may yet explore the free agent market to maintain the club's financial stability.
Here, Liverpool.com revisits three free agent signings that caused quite a stir at Newcastle — including two players who arrived from the Reds.
John Barnes
John Barnes is best remembered for his time at Liverpool, where he netted 107 goals and registered 92 assists across 117 appearances. The left-sided attacker operated in several roles along the attacking line and similarly shone for England.
John Barnes, pictured here in 2005, joined Newcastle during the latter stages of his career
John Barnes, pictured here in 2005, joined Newcastle during the latter stages of his career(Image: Getty Images)
Barnes earned 79 caps for his country after choosing to play for the Three Lions rather than Jamaica. He scored 11 times and participated in the 1986 and 1990 FIFA World Cups, as well as the 1988 UEFA European Championship.
Upon completing a transfer to Newcastle in 1997, Barnes was 33 years old and nearing the end of his playing days. The attacker was recruited by his former colleague and Magpies boss, Sir Kenny Dalglish, and was used as a supporting striker alongside Alan Shearer.
He made 41 appearances over two seasons for the Tyneside outfit, scoring seven goals and contributing one assist. Another free switch materialized at Charlton in January 1999, though he failed to register a goal throughout the half-campaign he remained there. Barnes eventually hung up his boots with 696 appearances, 178 goals, 103 assists, two Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and a League Cup — all secured with the Reds.
Ian Rush
Ian Rush represented another player who attained legendary standing at Anfield, finding the net 339 times and laying on 110 assists during two separate stints with Liverpool.
The forward became an icon for club and nation throughout the 1980s and 1990s, amassing 73 caps for Wales and netting 28 goals. He arrived at St. James' Park alongside Barnes for an identical fee — nothing — but his tenure in the north east proved considerably briefer. Rush managed only 14 outings in the black-and-white stripes, scoring twice and registering one assist.
Shearer regained his position as Newcastle's leading striker following his comeback from injury, though Rush contributed to the club's journey to its first FA Cup final in 24 years — netting a vital goal against Everton to seal a place at Wembley. The former Wales international departed Newcastle without silverware but had amassed a remarkable trophy collection during his spell at Liverpool. He secured five Premier League titles, three FA Cups, four League Cups, and two European Cups.
Jack Colback
Jack Colback completed the unusual transfer from rival Sunderland, signing for Newcastle on a free transfer. At the time in 2014, the defensive midfielder recognized that "the majority of Sunderland fans will hate me for the rest of my life" for making the switch.
Over 135 outings for Sunderland — where he arrived as a youngster and came through the academy system — Colback registered 11 goal contributions in total. After his move to Newcastle, the midfielder's productivity increased slightly — with five goals and 10 assists — although he featured less frequently for the Magpies, accumulating 102 appearances.
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Colback later had spells at Nottingham Forest, Queens Park Rangers and even eighth-tier side Anstey Nomads earlier this year. The 36-year-old has now hung up his boots, having recorded 56 goal contributions across 490 appearances throughout his career.