Newcastle signed two Liverpool legends on free transfers including prolific star
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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 RushEddie 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 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 BarnesJohn Barnes is best remembered for his time at Liverpool, where he netted 107 goals and registered 92 assists across 117 appearances.
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. 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 RushIan 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.
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.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.