Demba Ba - Newcastle United striker Newcastle manager Alan Pardew made some impressive signings over the summer. French midfielder Yohan Cabaye has already settled in superbly and looks as though he’s been playing in the middle of the park for a number of years. However, there is only one man who can be Newcastle’s signing of the season and arguably the Premier League’s bargain of the summer.

The prize of the Premier League signing of the season goes to Newcastle United’s Demba Ba who arrived on Tyneside for free in the summer after leaving West Ham due to a clause in his contract after relegation. Whilst the Upton Park crowd were sad to see the end of Ba’s short time in East London, the Geordies cannot have expected Ba to settle in so well and be as influential as he is.

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The Senegalese striker has bagged 11 goals in 14 league games since his move up north and has been a key feature of Alan Pardew’s new look Toon side that have impressed so far in this season. The joint second top scorer in the division did not cost Pardew any transfer fee and suits the style of play that the North East club are playing at the moment. Just as good in the air as he is on the floor, Ba can score any sort of goal and is also a terrific hold up player to bring the pacey Newcastle midfield into the game.

His time at Upton Park was also fruitful, scoring seven goals in 12 games in a side that were struggling to get any sort of results after his arrival in January. After their relegation, Ba left the club and was available on a free transfer due to a release clause in his contract. The tall striker has been a constant threat for Newcastle and without him, the Geordies would not be dreaming of a European tour next season. It may not be half way through the season yet but Ba has already shown why he is worthy of the pound for pound prize and with January round the corner, can anyone take that crown from him during the second half of the season?

Written by Brad Pinard