There are few more progressive nations in world soccer than the United States, with a growing number of players from the country exploring Europe to ensure that their game is able to reach new heights. Popularity in the sport within the nation is also rapidly improving, with much of that being down to hosting this year’s FIFA Club World Cup, and the 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup. But, which American-born players have represented Newcastle United throughout the club’s illustrious history?
Oguchi Onyewu
One of the most recent U.S. players to have represented Newcastle comes in the form of Oguchi Onyewu. The defender became the first American to play for the club in the Premier League era after signing on an initial loan deal in 2007 from Standard Liege. After initially impressing during an eleven-game stay with the club, he fell down the pecking order following the arrival of Sam Allardyce. However, Onyewu would gain an opportunity to play at one of the world’s most prestigious clubs after signing for AC Milan in 2009, before enjoying stints with Sporting Lisbon and Malaga. Onyewu would later return to England for two years between 2013 and 2015, playing over 30 times across spells with QPR, Sheffield Wednesday, and Charlton Athletic. The defender ended his career with a one-season stay in Philadelphia before announcing his retirement in September 2018.
DeAndre Yedlin
DeAndre Yedlin was widely regarded as one of the most talented players to have come out of the United States. The full-back came through the youth ranks at the Seattle Sounders, before signing for Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2014. However, after finding minutes hard to come by, the defender moved to Sunderland, before crossing the divide in 2016 to sign for Newcastle on a permanent deal in the same year. Yedlin made his Newcastle debut in August, before he scored his first goal for the Magpies against Derby County a month later. After achieving promotion with Newcastle in 2017, the American would form an important part of the backline during their four-season stay in the Premier League. Overall, he would appear 112 times in the top-flight, scoring three goals before moving to Galatasaray and later Inter Miami in 2020 and 2022, respectively.
Andy Parkinson
Andy Parkinson was the first ever U.S. international to have played for Newcastle United. The South African-born midfielder came through the youth ranks at Highland Parks, before making the move to St. James’ Park in 1978. After gaining a work permit, he was signed on a permanent deal by the club following a trial. He made his debut for the Magpies three days later against Manchester United. However, his career at Newcastle suffered a major setback in his next game after suffering a broken ankle against Leeds United. Due to lack of game time, the club allowed his contract to run down, enabling him to move to Peterborough United in 1979. Parkinson would stay with the club for two seasons, before he was sold to the Philadelphia Fury in the North American Soccer League in 1979-80. The midfielder would then make the U.S. his home, playing for teams such as Team America and New York Cosmos, and also featuring on two occasions for the United States national team in 1984. He also played for the Chicago Sting, one team that you can no longer bet in Illinois sports, according to YouBet, because it extinguished in 1988.
Miguel Almiron
Despite not being a U.S. international, it could be argued that Newcastle’s most successful import from America comes in the form of Paraguayan Miguel Almiron. The right winger became a cult hero at St. James Park following his move from Atlanta United, and he would enjoy an excellent six-season stay on Tyneside. After helping the team avoid relegation during his first campaign, Almiron would continue to be a vital player in the following seasons leading up to the club’s takeover. His place in Newcastle folklore was assured in October 2023 as he netted Newcastle’s opener in a 4-1 home win in the Champions League against PSG. The goal was also the first that the club had scored in the competition since 2003. However, due to financial reasons, the Magpies reluctantly allowed the winger to leave the club in January when he re-joined Atlanta United.
Newcastle in the U.S.
As has commonly been the case for teams from the Premier League, Newcastle have gained a huge following in the United States. The passionate fans have made the Magpies one of their preferred clubs, and they have been treated to matches involving the team on countless occasions during the pre-season period. Newcastle last visited the U.S. during their preparations for the 2023-24 season, playing fixtures in Philadelphia, Atlanta and Harrison. The matches as part of the Premier League Summer Series attracted huge attendances, and Newcastle was able to go three matches without defeat in fixtures against Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Brighton & Hove Albion.
