This article forms part of our Total Duds feature series, which is where Football Transfer Tavern takes a look at how a player has fared since being signed or sold, using statistical figures and statements from pundits to prove how bad a deal the club got.

When Newcastle United decided to fork out £22.5 million to sign Michael Owen from Real Madrid back in 2005, it perhaps raised a good few eyebrows for a number of reasons.

On the positive side, the former Liverpool ace was arguably still a quality player then, and received heaps of praises from people associated with the Tyneside club. Manager at the time Graeme Souness said that the capture would represent the biggest transfer of his managerial career, whilst chairman Freddy Shepherd said that bringing him to St. James' Park ranked alongside the signing of Alan Shearer as his proudest moment at the Magpies, as per The Guardian.

Indeed, the Premier League's all-time record goal scorer and undisputed Toon legend was entering his final season wearing the famous black and white stripes, so Owen had some huge boots to fill.

His debut campaign in the North East was perhaps an underwhelming one to say the least, as he only managed 11 appearances in the top flight, scoring seven goals, according to Transfermarkt.

Scuppered by injury problems, the 40-year old would miss a staggering 54 games in the following term with a ruptured cruciate ligament, as per the website.

He would go on to miss another 17 matches through injury over the next two seasons, before leaving on a free transfer to Manchester United, representing a huge financial loss.

The ex-striker was arguably a loss on the pitch as well, making just 79 appearances over four campaigns, with 2007/08 being the only term where he racked up double figures in the goal scoring department (via Transfermarkt).

Owen did not even want to play for Newcastle in the first place. His heart was set on a return to Liverpool, and perhaps this is a reason as to why he failed to impress at United.

Nevertheless, the Englishman was still a waste of money and time.

Newcastle fans, what are your thoughts on Michael Owen? Let us know below...