Many Newcastle United fans on social media wondering the same thing after PSG's Champions League win last night

One of the biggest phenomena around Newcastle United since the PIF-backed takeover has been the fact that we've been linked with nearly as many players as Chelsea have bought in the last three years.

While the transfer rumours range from the sane to the fantastical, there have been some rumours that seemed to hold a lot of truth but never actually went anywhere.

Our scouts have been very active under both Dan Ashworth and Paul Mitchell and they have unearthed some gems over the years, but for whatever reason, rarely acted on their impulses.

Head of recruitment Steve Nickson had one player fully scouted and presented on a plate to Newcastle in the Dan Ashworth days but no move was made and now the hierarchy must be kicking themselves.

Steve Nickson had Desire Doue in his sights in 2023

Back in 2023 Nickson was convinced that young Rennes forward Desire Doue would be a great addition to Newcastle's squad and at around £10 million could have proved to be a bargain but the club looked elsewhere.

While just 18 at the time, Doue could have come in as a good backup option for Anthony Gordon, but the club opted for Premier League experience and signed Harvey Barnes.

Doue eventually went to Paris Saint Germain in 2024 for around £50 million and it still looks like they've nabbed a bargain at five times what Newcastle could have paid.

Desire Doue has certainly proved Nickson right this season

It's not just the fact that Doue scored an absolute beauty for PSG against Aston Villa last night, that was merely the prompt for Newcastle fans to lament what they missed out on with several posts on social media today pointing out the missed opportunity.

With three goals and three assists to his name in the Champions League in his first season with PSG to go along with his five goals and seven assists in Ligue 1, it's safe to say that the 19-year-old isn't afraid of the big occasion.

We're not saying we weren't happy with the signing of Harvey Barnes and what he's done for the side since his arrival, but imagine what could have been, eh?