Newcastle United’s new signing from West Ham, Demba Ba, has told the press of his rejection by the Reds following a trial at Oakwell back in 2005.
After failing to impress Watford and Swansea, as well as Barnsley, the Senegal international eventually signed a contract with FC Rouen in the Normandy region of France.
“When I was young and looking for a club, I went to Watford for a couple of months and I learned a hell of a lot. I hoped to get a contract, but it didn’t work out. I was upset but I didn’t want to give up. I had always wanted to play in English football.
“I went to Swansea and Barnsley looking again. I did my best. I tried to make those clubs take me but it didn’t work out, and after a few months I had to go back to France.
After an impressive scoring run in the third tier of the French league with Rouen, Ba moved to Hoffenheim in Germany and helped them to promotion to the Bundesliga, before coming back to England to join West Ham.
With such a story coming from a striker who is looking set to become an established Premier League striker, it makes you wonder how many other big names have slipped through the net at Oakwell!
Related articles
- Transfer race hots up for Demba Ba (footballfancast.com)
- Newcastle complete signing of Demba Ba (independent.co.uk)
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