Jamie Carragher shares his opinion on the Newcastle player, saying PIF made the wrong call by signing him yet the same player has now proved him wrong by becoming worth a fortune.

Jamie Carragher, never one to shy away from controversy or football debate, has once again stirred reactions across the Premier League community after offering a bold take on one of Newcastle United’s major signings. The former Liverpool defender, now known for his sharp analysis and uncompromising honesty, expressed the view that the Public Investment Fund (PIF) — the Saudi-backed ownership group behind Newcastle — may have miscalculated with this particular player acquisition. According to Carragher, the decision to bring the player into St James’ Park was not as flawless or forward-thinking as many fans initially believed.

In typical Carragher fashion, his comments were direct and unapologetic. He suggested that despite the excitement surrounding the signing at the time, the investment did not initially reflect the type of impact or consistency expected from a player brought in under the ambitious PIF era. He explained that when a club backed by such financial power and long-term vision decides to sign a player, expectations naturally skyrocket, and every move becomes magnified. For him, this signing did not look like one that aligned with the upward trajectory Newcastle seemed to be chasing.

Carragher’s point was not simply to criticise for the sake of it; rather, he positioned his argument within the broader expectations now associated with Newcastle United. Since PIF took charge, the club’s project has been about transformation — turning Newcastle from a mid-table survivor into a European powerhouse capable of challenging the elite. Every signing, therefore, is interpreted as a step toward or away from that goal. In Carragher’s eyes, this particular decision fell short of the strategic precision he has come to expect from the Newcastle hierarchy.

However, what makes Carragher’s take even more interesting is the twist that has unfolded since his initial claim. While he argued that the signing did not look ideal early on, the player at the centre of this debate has grown far beyond what critics predicted. As the months passed, the player began to flip the narrative. Performances improved, confidence returned, and the same qualities that once seemed inconsistent began showing up regularly. Suddenly, the player was not just proving he belonged in the squad — he was becoming one of the club’s most valuable assets.

This unexpected rise has created a storyline that football loves: the doubted signing who turns critics into believers. The player’s market value has skyrocketed, surpassing expectations and even surpassing the valuation of other major signings made by Newcastle, including Nick Woltemade, who was initially considered one of the club’s biggest future stars. What started as a supposedly questionable signing has now evolved into a transfer masterstroke — at least in terms of value, impact, and potential.

Carragher’s earlier comments now serve as a reminder of how quickly football narratives can shift. A player labelled a “mistake” can, with time and development, become one of the most celebrated success stories on the team sheet. It also shows how scrutiny around Newcastle has intensified under PIF’s ownership. Every arrival is judged heavily, every performance is put under the microscope, and every transfer is measured against ambition, money spent, and long-term project alignment.

Still, Carragher’s perspective adds useful context. His critique wasn’t baseless; it reflected the form and uncertainty surrounding the player at that time. But football evolves. Players adapt, coaching influences growth, and new environments unlock hidden potential. What was once considered a questionable investment has now turned into an example of why clubs must sometimes remain patient and trust the process, even when outside voices are loud.

In the end, the story reflects both sides of football analysis: the immediate reaction and the long-term view. Carragher gave his honest opinion based on what he saw early on, and he believed Newcastle could have aimed higher with the resources available. But today, the same player he questioned has emerged stronger, more valuable, and more influential than anyone predicted. And for Newcastle fans, that turnaround is exactly the type of emotional rollercoaster the sport is famous for.

So yes — Carragher may have once felt the signing was a mistake by PIF, but the player has rewritten the script entirely. Football proves again that early judgments can be overturned, talents can blossom unexpectedly, and a so-called “wrong call” can eventually look like a well-timed, brilliant investment.