Seb Bassong was always a very ambitious footballer, and it was almost certain that he would leave Newcastle when they were relegated – and he did.
Sebastien Bassong - while at Newcastle
Bassong was our Player of the Season at Newcastle in the relegation season of two years ago, with a massive 65% of the vote.
And he was eventually sold to Tottenham for £8M in the summer of 2009, a good deal for Newcastle, who only 10 months before had signed the player for £500K from French club Metz.
Bassong was one of those great bargain deals Newcastle have been able to pull off a few times in the last several years under owner Mike Ashley.
The Paris-born player turns 25 in July, and so far has 13 caps for Cameroon and a couple of France U21 caps, , and today has admitted that joining Tottenham two years ago was a big mistake:
‘I haven’t made some huge mistake on the pitch or anything.”
“It’s just happened. I feel that I have gone backwards, like I have gone from heaven to hell.”
“I have to try to find a way out because I have to try to play.’
If Tottenham is hell for the strong 6’2″ center-back, then we have to assume Newcastle must have been heaven for him.
Anyway, that’s my interpretation of what he’s saying – and I’m sticking to it. 
It looks like Seb may join another former Newcastle player, Charles N’Zogbia, in perhaps wanting to return to Tyneside, but we think there’s little chance of Bassong ever returning to Newcastle.
If Newcastle could get him in a cut-price deal, they could potentially be interested, since Seb is also a very decent left back – but Harry Redknapp would never do that – Harry will want at least his £8M back when Seb leaves the London club.
For the record, Sebastien Bassong played 30 times for the Magpies, and was the star player in the relegation season of two years ago, and always gave the team 100%.
He’s a good lad.
Comments welcome.
NUFC News 24/7
65 responses so far ↓
1 Riska // May 20, 2011 at 11:16 AM
Does he not mean that his first season at spurs was his time in heaven- i.e. the season he played and they got into the champions league, whilst this season (which has mostly seen him on the bench) is his time in hell?
2 Partizan // May 20, 2011 at 11:19 AM
I hate to admit,but if the oportunity comes to sign him for lets say 5-6 mill,,then deff we should go for it.Him and Charles back in the squad would give us a tremendeous boost.
If he comes,i think we should sell Williamson for 5 mill,and leave Bassong and Taylor fighting for that second CB spot.
3 Tooncastle // May 20, 2011 at 11:21 AM
I don’t feel comfortable with players who left us at our darkest hour coming back to the club.
I’d much prefer to look elsewhere.
4 wsquare // May 20, 2011 at 11:25 AM
i think he meant the first few weeks in spuds.. not newcastle.
5 tdt // May 20, 2011 at 11:26 AM
I’d take him and N’zog back, provided they have the right attitudes, prices, and appologise for buggering off in the first place! Not sure Bassong will be allowed to come back, think N’zog will though because Wigan are in the weaker bargaining position that spuds.
6 supervil // May 20, 2011 at 11:27 AM
I’d have Bassong back……. but…. he was one of the first to willingly jump ship (according to Joey Barton). We did get really good money for him though… and he was awesome in that last year…
7 boom boom cheick cheick the room // May 20, 2011 at 11:27 AM
unfortunatly for seb i dont think we will pay that to get him back we do need to bring in one ctr half with campbell on the way out i think he would be the answer id like him back anyway along with nzogbia i think we need someone a bit stronger at right back and maybe switch gutierez to the right with seb larson as backup a good stricker and were nearly there
8 PHOENIXNIGHTS // May 20, 2011 at 11:28 AM
He would not be cheap- well we all know what Redknapp is like. Talking of which no doubts we will see the Bulldog on every TV channel talking about other clubs players- he does it everytime.
I would prefer Samba myself.
9 toonfan76 // May 20, 2011 at 11:28 AM
@Partizan
do you really think we could get 5 mil for Williamson while paying about the same for Bassong?
10 Partizan // May 20, 2011 at 11:32 AM
I don’t see why not toonfan76,,these newly promoted teams would jump straight with a 4 mill offer at least for Willo.
11 Toon Sweden77 // May 20, 2011 at 11:34 AM
As Man City continues to splash cash all over, wich of their current players could be availible??
Adam Johnson, James Milner, Boyota, Weiss?
Wouldnt mind having some bargains from them. What happened to Michael Johnson? We were linked with a couple of years agoe but I havent heard anything of him this season..
12 Partizan // May 20, 2011 at 11:37 AM
I don’t say deff 5 mill for Bassong,,,but IF the oportunity comes + he’s unhappy there,,there might be a cut price deal……maybe 6 mill.
Orrr,,,if they want Tiote so bad i’d take Sandro + 7 mill straight away.
13 JUGGALO TOON ™ // May 20, 2011 at 11:38 AM
I don’t think Ben Arfa is gunna be as good as we all think next season as its still a new league for him hes had a horrific injury which could affect him mentally on the pitch for a while and he hasn’t kick a ball around tidy in about a year, but the season after I think he will become class. I just hope the fans don’t get on his back and start saying he’s crap, sell him and all that nonsense as I can imagine a lot of people on here doing.
14 nightfa11 // May 20, 2011 at 11:39 AM
i wouldnt take milner back..hes sooo overrated its unbelivable..he hasnt progressed one bit..worth 7 mio tops.
15 The Entertainers // May 20, 2011 at 11:41 AM
Big fan of bassong, would love to see him back but doesn’t he play left side like Colo and prefer the big haired fellow!
16 shearerno9 // May 20, 2011 at 11:42 AM
I think michael johnson is essentially finished, granted he is a young player but he has so many dyer-esque qualities such as a complete party boy, never being fit and when he is fit its only for a matter of weeks until he gets injured again…. no thanks
17 Kurt // May 20, 2011 at 11:42 AM
Off Topic:
But is it just me or do some of you find it hard to log in at nufc tv. Cant get in anymore, when I`m trying to log in I instantly get to the sign up site. I know that i have at least 1 more month before it goes out. Cant find the place where i normally write my user name.
Anybody having the same problem ?
18 brighter // May 20, 2011 at 11:43 AM
>since Seb is also a very decent left back
I can’t accept this comment.Don’t you remember that he played at left back position against sunderland at away in our relegation season.He was played very awkwardly.I’m really surprised you said that……..
19 Davies // May 20, 2011 at 11:49 AM
I’d be happy to see Bassong back. We’d have our four quality cantre backs then.
Much as I like the bloke, I can see Willo getting sold, which I think will be a huge shame, but I see Kadar being involved more for the sake of his development.
Regarding Milner, I really think he should have stayed at Villa. He was better there than he has been anywhere else and his move to Citeh just seems to have been a massive backward step for his game.
Hopefully we can tempt Adam Johnson to come.
My transfer wish list would include Johnson and Sturridge. Not really sure who else I’d want specifically, but there’s a lot of quality out there for very little money (in EPL terms, anyway).
20 Partizan // May 20, 2011 at 11:49 AM
Juggalo….I agree with you 100% about HBA,,but i don’t think there will be pressure on him from the fans,unless he doesnt show bad attitude like in OL and OM…99% on this blog never wanted him to play in the last 4-5 games of the season which a strongly agree.
But you never know,maybe this injury could bring even more hunger and trust me,,,i know Tunisian people very very well….next season HBA will have a point to prove.
Just watch
21 The Entertainers // May 20, 2011 at 11:55 AM
I see Denilson at Arsenal is being allowed to leave, has stalled this year no doubt, but is still a talent and could fill Tiote’s void when he’s in ACN and of course suspended. Price wise who knows?
22 Phil K // May 20, 2011 at 11:56 AM
No denying Bassong’s effort for a lost cause. many DIDN’T give a toss. I recall Bassong being angry at the lack of emotion to the relegation from several players. The local lads were cut up, but some of those not local didn’t seem to care, he said.
But he WAS one of the first to jump ship, no doubt about it. N’Zog too.
Both were and are decent players though.
23 coolcatcarter89 // May 20, 2011 at 11:56 AM
Do not want Zog or Bassong, absolutely no way. Both overrated for starters. Two, this is a new era for us, don’t look back. Three, imagine the atmosphere in the dressing room? Would be frosty to say the least. “Oh, hi guys. I know I jumped ship when times were tough and you lot took responsibility, got the team back in the Prem. Now I realised my career is going nowhere, I’d like to play for the very team I helped relegate, by sulking and throwing a strop.”
Doormats.
24 Phil K // May 20, 2011 at 11:57 AM
nightfa11 – thought I was the only one to think Milner is laughably over-rated.
25 Toon Sweden77 // May 20, 2011 at 12:01 PM
Entertainers: Denilson is leaving Arsenal because hes tired of never win something so I dont think Newcastle are the right place for him. Even though I wish it was.
26 Phil K // May 20, 2011 at 12:03 PM
coolcatcarter – You are absolutely right when you say this should be a new start for us, and don’t look back. Still, though……how many have we taken back ?
80′s – Terry Hibbit worked when he came back. But he didn’t want to leave in the first place.
Nobby Solano worked too, if briefly.
27 supervil // May 20, 2011 at 12:04 PM
Oh, and why would Spurs sell Bassong for anything less than the £8mil they spent on him?
Would you pay £8mil for him?
Or more to the point, can you see Ashley spending that for a player they made a lot of money on? I highly doubt it.
28 The Entertainers // May 20, 2011 at 12:05 PM
Ouch Toon Swede, you suggesting we won’t win owt next season, such pessimism
29 carrollsinger // May 20, 2011 at 12:09 PM
Hahahahhahahahhahahahhahahhahahha your never wear the shirt again have fun warming spurs bench
30 coolcatcarter89 // May 20, 2011 at 12:12 PM
Phil K – I weren’t around to see Terry Hibbit
. The nature of the beast has changed somewhat since then though. Nobby, he was a massive fans favourite. Top bloke, friendly, gracious and all fans would love to see him back here in some capacity, one day. All the things Zog isn’t and a far better player too.
Zog and Bassong returning, I don’t even want to contemplate it.
31 veto // May 20, 2011 at 12:18 PM
unlike zoggy i dont want bassong back , as much as i rated him .
zoggy left under different circumstances .
bassong used us as a stepping stone and paid the price for it , spurs may be ahead of us now but we will always be the bigger team
32 Oba // May 20, 2011 at 12:18 PM
I’d much prefer to bring Bassong back that bring N’Zogbia back in. At least Bassong left graciously after a decent bid from Spurs was made. Zog just forced his way out when the going got tough – nothing to do with his spat with Kinnear, that was just the excuse.
33 GeordieToon89 // May 20, 2011 at 12:21 PM
apparently we enquired about bringing Bassong back in january but spurs rejected it cos of the defensive injuries at the club, so maybe we really do want him back? Yes he’s a good player quite quick aswell and strong but as people have said he was one the first ones too jump ship when we went down he obviously didnt want to help the club who gave him his massive chance to shine plus he will be going to the african nations in jan.. i hope the management see sense and sign people we aint going to lose for like 2 month we need a replacement for Tiote as it is already
34 toonfan76 // May 20, 2011 at 12:32 PM
I think we are going to be disappointed with this summers transfer dealings at first glance. A lot of lesser known players coming in. But i think some very shrewd scouting and dealings are going to be the key. Some good players will come to the Toon, we just won’t be that familiar with some of them. (Tiote type quality and price hopefully)
35 xmindcrimex // May 20, 2011 at 12:37 PM
@Kurt
Yup, same problem here. I wanted to check out that Kevin Nolan interview, but couldn’t get in.. just as you said.
I’m sure it’s something wrong with the site as I have a membership until next August or something. It’ll come good I’m sure.
36 geoff777 // May 20, 2011 at 12:42 PM
Don’t think Bassong really jumped ship.
The club got and accepted an 8million offer.
Willo has done a good job for us, but occasionally grabs shirts or pushes in panic … he was lucky a few times this season not to give penalties away & not to receive cards.
Bassong is better.
37 nightfa11 // May 20, 2011 at 12:51 PM
Phil K
if u ask me citys weakest links are barry and milner..theyre average..but must have good agents…very good… so is they buy 2 world class CMs they could be fighting for the title..
as for Zog & Bassong…if im right they probably have a buy back clause in their contracts…knowing ashley
we can probably get zog back for 6..while hes valued at 9 
same for bassong..PROBABLY
38 FarAwayGeordie // May 20, 2011 at 1:02 PM
Bassong had to be sold when we got rlegated, it would have been silly not to ..
got him for 500k and was worth 8m when we got rlegated.. a season in the championship may have decreased his value and the club was at such a financial balance that they were left with no choice but to sell
39 Ericles // May 20, 2011 at 1:29 PM
Alan Pardew says we need some 20-22 quality players in the squad to improve and mount a good serious campaign in the Premier. Well that ought to mean if we can get Zog and Bass back at on reasonable deals then we should try. That goes without saying we need the likes of other “beardos”, “gazzas”, and “waddos” too.
Who and where are they? Also – Hibitt was a
cracking little player.
40 NIMagpie1 // May 20, 2011 at 1:38 PM
Zog and Bassong, both have matured since leaving the Toon. And having made a tidy profit on both, having them back would be great for the team. Add Defoe upfront along side another big center forward this would be a good start, assuming we dont lose many other first teamers.
41 Thump // May 20, 2011 at 1:39 PM
Bassong shone in an average squad. He had a great partnership with Tayls though.
42 wynsleap // May 20, 2011 at 1:58 PM
I find it really amusing when players clamour to leave The Toon then find that the grass isn’t always greener in their “promised land”.
Players like Domi, Bernard, N’Zogbia, Bassong etc don’t deserve a second chance here.
They should always be allowed to rot where they are.
Don’t get the idea that I’m vindictive mind – because I am.
43 The Entertainers // May 20, 2011 at 2:00 PM
Something about the French you reckon wynsleap ?
44 NIMagpie1 // May 20, 2011 at 2:02 PM
Maybe should look at it more from a footballing point of view, and if these players improve the team, which I would have no doubt they would then it would be worth putting the past firmly in the past and getting on with it. Onward and upward next season. HWTL
45 Brutooon // May 20, 2011 at 2:03 PM
Hell= Spurs (Even they offer him Champion League Football + Good London Clubs and Pubs? )
46 boater // May 20, 2011 at 2:23 PM
OBA – what a load of rot… Bassong has done nowt and Zog has developed into one of the league’s most effective attacking players outside the top 4.
Please no Bassong. He was massively overrated – always shines in a losing team – and somehow comes out smelling of roses – bit like Parker. The stats were – had he not played for us we wouldn’t have been relegated. He’s got found out at spurs… do we need to retread that old ground again…
Willo a much more effective WINNING player for me.
47 The Entertainers // May 20, 2011 at 2:25 PM
It’s funny but there a lot of ex toon players available this summer:
Parker
Bellamy
Bassong
Zog
Beye
Martins
Owen
Shearer ……..
To ‘be’ honest Zog and Bassong def’ take back, Parker just to ‘be’ greedy, but we don’t need him and I’d ‘be’ interested in seeing what Beye is like, really liked him at our club, but wouldn’t pay a fee for the lad now!
The rest ( bar big Al ) so long and no longer interested .
48 chuck // May 20, 2011 at 2:25 PM
Looking at it from a professional perspective Bassong is a young and decent defender who can play across the back four, though primarily a CB.
If we could get him for around five million , it would be a deal.
Now in the case of N`Zogbia, we sold him for less than he`s worth, but on saying that, we actually stole him for next to nothing from Le Havre.
I think a bid in the region of nine or ten million would get him, a four million loss.
But where are you going to get a player of his quality for four million ?
As for those who dont want to bring back ex players because their feelings were hurt because they left the club.
Grow up !
49 chuck // May 20, 2011 at 2:32 PM
Grow up !
Waddle, Gazza and Carroll, I could understand fans being upset about, they being Geordies n` all !
But to get upset about anyone who leaves the club for whatever reason, is both naive and childish.
50 coolcatcarter89 // May 20, 2011 at 2:37 PM
Chuck – Bassong makes plenty of mistakes and his pace gets him out of trouble. Different type if defender, but overall no improvement on Williamson, in my opinion.
Zog – it’s not about feelings being hurt. He’s innately a moody git, always scowling. Unless he’s had some sort of counselling, he’ll still be a moping around, having a detrimental influence on the TEAM and last time I checked footy is a TEAM sport. Big fish in a small pond suits him best.
51 chuck // May 20, 2011 at 3:07 PM
Coolcarter89
You just made my point, who cares whether he is Mr nice guy or a soovab**h as long as he can get the job done, you are not going to be in a personal relationship with him .
And i think you will find most agree N`Zog is a pretty good player, after all any midfielder with a ten million pricetag cant be shabby .
No better than Williamson ?
Surely you are not serious, Williamson is woefull, spends half the match on his ass, the other half ball watching and his distribution is awfull .
The fact is Bassong never had a bad game for NUFC whereas Williams has had quite a few.
52 zaktoon_swede // May 20, 2011 at 3:09 PM
I’ve nothing against zog but we should stay away from bassong.
zog had been playing out of position most of time or on the bench.
he was literally called an idiot by kinnear and left for i team with greater ambitions. wigan were playing great football under bruce at that time and were challenging for europe-qualification.
i dont think you can blame him to much, but it’s a risk buying him, yes.
think we should sell guthrie and get mccarthy from wigan in along with zog, sturridge, shane long, samba, PvA and ireland on loan, and what about vaughan (blackpool player of the season) on a free?
53 boater // May 20, 2011 at 3:18 PM
CCC89 – I agree about Bassong.
I also think Zog is an egotistical, talented type, but unfortunately you have to accept a bit of that if you want to move up the league table and not just remain like Stoke – with their squad of smashing, hard working fellas. The dressing room spirit is much better here now – well we have one I should say – any player coming in will end up buying into it this time around I reckon anyway.
54 coolcatcarter89 // May 20, 2011 at 3:19 PM
Chuck – Nolan, Barton, S. Taylor etc will have to though. He’s the type of person I could see Joey wanting to lamp. Not good for squad harmony and that transmits onto the pitch, as we know all too well.
They’re are far better options, in my view: Gervinho (almost done I reckon), Chamberlain (Arsenal bound? What If Wenger isn’t there?), Menez, Lens, Johnson (if Citeh go on a transfer bonanza as expected). Those are just off the top of my head.
55 coolcatcarter89 // May 20, 2011 at 3:30 PM
They’re far*
56 Toon1978 // May 20, 2011 at 3:47 PM
Its so satisfying in seeing former players regret the day they left NUFC. I think deep down ithe likes of Benard, Given, Speed, Robert, N’Zogbia and NOW Bassong al look back with regret at leaving but some of them players where pushed rather then walked. If Carroll carries on the form he is showing at Liverpool then maybe he will feel the same one day.
57 Sinjen Smythe // May 20, 2011 at 3:56 PM
Any player that jumped ship after relegation should be avoided in terms of bringing them back. Bassong and NZogbia are pretty good players but there is more to it than what they bring to the field. I fear they will become carcinogens in the club house and start throwing their toysout of the pram when things don’t go their way.
58 chuck // May 20, 2011 at 4:17 PM
Coolcarter89
Thats pure supposition, you have no idea what kind of relationship N`Zog has with these players and what makes you think N`zog is a troublemaker, again supposition.
It translates onto the field ?
I`m afraid you have an active imagination, but lets stick to facts here ,Eh?
We are not getting Gervinho, he`s stated he only wants a champions league side.
But getting johnson from Citeh would IMO be a coup, though i doubt we will.
59 leazes upper // May 20, 2011 at 4:33 PM
he was a nobody when he came here and we gave him his big chance. and when we got into trouble he couldnt wait to leave so leave him at spurs. at least zog had put a few seasons in before he left
60 coolcatcarter89 // May 20, 2011 at 4:34 PM
Chuck – if we’re talking facts. Bassong isn’t a RB and has never played there, like you have him in your team on another thread. AP has stated he intends to play HBA in the traditional no10 role.
Statements are liable to change however, in the case of both Gervinho and HBAs position.
I think it’s common knowledge a unhappy camp doesn’t perform to it’s optimum on the pitch, any sportsman will tell you that. Zog was one of the culprits that contributed in the relegation year, to the pitiful performances we saw, due to lack of will and a discontent in the camp.
He turned his back on the team, because of one silly remark, from a silly man, hardly endearing to lads who clearly love a bit of friendly banter within the team.
It’s called evaluating with what evidence is at hand.
If he fills the chip on his shoulder, I’d have him back. As he? Who knows, but I have my reservations.
61 coolcatcarter89 // May 20, 2011 at 4:36 PM
We should be looking for the next Zog. He could be under our noses, Lua Lua or Fergie perhaps?
62 JP...from The Rock // May 20, 2011 at 6:12 PM
chuck – Errrm yeah it does show on the field, Coolcarter89 is right. Relegation anyone??
And how can you forget all those training ground incidents (bust-ups) and especially the infamous Bowyer v Dyer against Villa DURING a match!!!
It’s a disgrace to this great club and portrays a distasteful image. Don’t forget that this kid would not listen to the manager and play with his mobile phone during team talks that could have saved our season.
N’zogbia’s attitude stinks inside St.James and outside talking crap to the press.
And of course he would welcome back a move and is full of regrets now, he’s about to get relegated.
63 NEWEXPATMAGPIE // May 20, 2011 at 6:35 PM
JP …..from the Rock:
Your bang on the money there mate:
Perhaps Zog was treated badley by JK but he gave as good as he got, as far as regards bad mentality, and attitude!
As far as regards Bassong, well basically he is still a good player alright but the Spuds would never let him go for less than they paid!
Don,t think he,s worth going for?
64 milburn 77 // May 20, 2011 at 7:12 PM
Yes Zog was a bit of a bog at the Town when he was here but you have to look at the senior players who were there at the time. Over payed, over rated and couldnt give a shit, it was always going to rub off on him, hes proved he can play and hit attitude has been spot on at Wigan, give the lad a chance. Top player, top buy
65 TOONlegends // May 22, 2011 at 9:30 AM
I seem to remember Zog played with a smile on his face whilst at Newcastle! Let’s face it big Joe humiliated him in an interview and there was no way back after that!
I recently saw the game against Pompey where Shearer broke the goals record and you just have to watch his celebration with Zog to see how happy Charlie was at Newcastle!
If we can get him back for 10 million then this would be a great bit of business for Newcastle,if Wigan go down then we might even get him for a bit cheaper!
As for bassong,if he’s available and harry isn’t demanding ridiculous prices then why not! He can also play left back and is probably better than williamson! Young too!!
Massive summer for the Toon!! Just hope it goes well! Let’s see west brom off the day and end the season in the top half!
previous post: Elmander Not Coming To Newcastle – Agrees Galatasaray Deal
next post: Lee Clark Gets Huddersfield To League One Play-Off Final