Newcastle surely look back at the summer of 2018 with a bit of regret, after missing out on key striking target Alassane Plea.

What was the story?

Sky Sports claimed that the Magpies were interested in signing the Frenchman who had scored 21 goals in Ligue 1 the season before. It was revealed that the Tyneside club had seen a £27m bid rejected by Nice, with the likes of West Ham, Fulham and Tottenham also interested in his services.

In the end, Plea left France to join Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach, where he’s cemented himself as a proven finisher, capable of delivering big moments in big games.

Imagine him and Saint-Maximin

With Allan Saint-Maximin’s arrival from Nice in the summer of 2019, Newcastle have seen first-hand what a player from the south of France can do for them. And whilst Plea was with the current Magpies star in Ligue 1, they both developed a fine understanding together.

As per Transfermarkt, in Saint-Maximin’s professional career, the most goals he has combined for with a teammate, is with Plea. That link-up would have been incredible to see further grow at St James’ Park, and the French duo could have help tear the Premier League to shreds.

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Instead, Newcastle didn’t go further than their initial bid, and the striker has gone on to perform well at Monchengladbach. If any Magpies fan was watching the Champions League in mid-week, when the German side took on Real Madrid, then they would have seen Plea set up both of his team’s goals in a very impressive 2-2 draw.

Rated at £27m by Transfermarkt, Plea really would have been a fine signing for Newcastle.