Newcastle signed Liverpool icons and broke 16-year rule with free transfers
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Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook pageHere, Mirror Football takes a look back at three free agent signings that raised eyebrows at Newcastle.John BarnesJohn Barnes is best remembered for his spell at Liverpool, where he scored 107 goals and provided 92 assists in 117 outings. He found the net 11 times and featured at the 1986 and 1990 FIFA World Cups, as well as the 1988 UEFA European Championship.When he completed a free transfer to Newcastle in 1997, Barnes was 33 years old and approaching the end of his career.
Another free transfer arrived at Charlton Athletic in the January 1999 window, and he failed to find the net during the half-season he spent there.Barnes ultimately retired with 696 appearances, 178 goals, 103 assists, two Premier League titles, two FA Cups and a League Cup - all of which came with the Reds.Ian RushIan Rush was another player who achieved legendary status at Anfield, scoring 339 goals and providing 110 assists across two periods with Liverpool. Rush made just 14 appearances in black-and-white, finding the net twice and providing one assist.Shearer reclaimed his spot as Newcastle's top striker upon his return from injury, but Rush did play his part in helping the club reach their first FA Cup final in 24 years - scoring a crucial goal against Everton to secure their passage to Wembley.The former Wales international didn't claim any silverware with Newcastle but accumulated an impressive haul of honours during his time at Liverpool.
He won five Premier League titles, three FA Cups, four League Cups and two European Cups.Jack ColbackJack Colback made the rare switch from a direct rival to Newcastle, arriving from Sunderland on a free transfer. It's a massive club with huge potential."Across 135 appearances for Sunderland - where he joined as a youngster and progressed through the academy ranks - Colback managed 11 goal contributions in total.Following his switch to Newcastle, the midfielder's output improved marginally - with five goals and 10 assists - though he went on to make fewer appearances for the Magpies, totalling 102.Colback subsequently had stints at Nottingham Forest, Queens Park Rangers and even eighth-tier outfit Anstey Nomads earlier this year.