Key Takeaways:
- Andy Cole’s £6M move to Manchester United in 1995 shocked Newcastle fans and the striker himself, who had no knowledge of the transfer.
- Cole’s sale sparked public outrage, with fans confronting manager Kevin Keegan over losing a player who had scored 68 goals in 84 games.
- The situation mirrors current speculation around Alexander Isak, who could follow in Cole’s footsteps as a high-profile departure from Newcastle.
In January 1995, football fans were stunned when Andy Cole was sold by Newcastle United to Manchester United for a British record £6 million. The transfer not only shocked the footballing world but also blindsided the striker himself, who later admitted he “knew absolutely nothing” about the deal.
Supporters Confronted Kevin Keegan Over Cole Sale
The transfer was so controversial that Newcastle supporters publicly confronted then-manager Kevin Keegan at St. James’ Park shortly after the announcement. Cole had been a fan favorite, scoring 68 goals in just 84 appearances after joining the Magpies from Bristol City for £1.75 million in 1993. His explosive form, which earned him the Premier League Golden Boot in his only full season, made the sale all the more painful for supporters.
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Andy Cole: “It Felt Like Being Traded in the NBA”
In a 2021 interview with talkSPORT, Cole revealed that the deal came as a complete surprise. “I was just about to watch Manchester United in the FA Cup when my agent called to say I was being sold,” said Cole. “It reminded me of being traded in the NBA. You don’t find out until it’s already done.”
The striker went on to explain that he received a second call confirming the deal and was told to pack an overnight bag for Manchester. Despite the shock, Cole admitted Manchester United was the only club he ever wanted to join.
From Record Signing to Club Legend at Manchester United
Though his exit left a bitter taste in Newcastle, Cole thrived at Old Trafford. Over seven years, he scored 121 goals in 275 games and collected 10 trophies—including five Premier League titles and the iconic treble in 1999.
Echoes of Cole in Isak’s Transfer Rumors
Nearly three decades later, Newcastle faces similar uncertainty. Current club-record signing Alexander Isak has been linked with a potential exit amid reports of a £300,000-a-week wage demand. The Swedish striker, signed from Real Sociedad in 2022 for £60 million, could be the next star to depart St. James’ Park under high-stakes circumstances.
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