Charles N'Zogbia

Charles N'Zogbia

Newcastle United completed the signing of teenage French midfielder Charles N'Zogbia in August 2004.

The 18-year-old is one of the most highly rated youngster's in France, and had been training with the Magpies for a month after deciding against extending his contract with Le Havre and impressed Sir Bobby Robson sufficiently to earn a contract.

Although N'Zogbia was out of contract the Magpies still had to pay the French side a fee because of his age, but they expect the compensation package to be just £250,000.

The deal is similar to the one that brought Olivier Bernard to St James' Park from Lyon four years ago and the club will be hoping the youngster will follow his compatriot's example and go on to establish himself as a key member of the first team.

His first season at St. James' Park brought only moderate success. He could not quite break into a regular first-team place, but did make a total of 19 appearances.

However, in the 2005/06 season, N'Zogbia truly found his feet, making thirty-seven appearances and scoring five times.

Injury hampered his progress somewhat in 2006/07, but he did manage to make nearly forty appearances and is still an important member of the Newcastle United team.

Taylor urged to bounce back

... it's him, David Rozehnal and Charles N'Zogbia. "They were all moved out of the back because of that performance (against Manchester City), which wasn't good enough ...

Allardyce warns N'Zogbia

...d! Newcastle United starlet Charles N'Zogbia has been warned by manager Sam Allardyce to keep his focus, following a fine start to the new season. The 21-year-old ...

N'Zogbia commits to Magpies

...r Sam Allardyce has persuaded Charles N'Zogbia to pen a new five-year contract with the club. The 21-year-old Frenchman will remain at St James' Park until June 2012...

Sam aims to keep N'Zogbia

... launching a transfer bid for Charles N'Zogbia. The Magpies winger scored a sensational opener in Sunday's 2-2 draw with local rivals Middlesbrough to reignite specu...

Sam: Greatest ever challenge

...s reportedly went missing and Charles N'Zogbia was dropped from the bench. ...