Habib Bey spent two years at Newcastle United between 2007 and 2009 during his playing career.
The Frenchman joins the Magpies from Marseille. Earlier this month, the Ligue 1 side appointed Roberto De Zerbi as his successor.
Friday edition of provence, A local newspaper of French clubs reviews his career and Newcastle United is part of it.
On Thursday, the former Arsenal star Robert Pires urged Marseille will have to be patient with their new manager. He used the Gunners' decision not to part ways with Mikel Arteta early on as an example.
How Newcastle United lured Beyi
La Provence explains that during his playing career, finances led Bey to leave the League 1 team for the Magpies in 2007.
When he arrived at St James' Park, Sam Allardyce was in charge. The newspaper says that he personally pressured Beyi to sign and that Newcastle United offered him a large salary which he found impossible to refuse.
Back in 2021, the 48-year-old said he was the top earner at Marseille, but the Premier League increased his salary by 2.5 times.
The former defender made 54 appearances for the Tyneside club and his supporters voted him Player of the Year in his first season.
Bayi left Newcastle United for Aston Villa in 2009 and in his final season at St James' Park, he played alongside Sébastien Bassong.
Marseille boss' influence on PL side
La Provence have now broadcast Bassong's comments, in which he praised the impact of the new Marseille management at Newcastle United.
"In a dressing room full of stars near the end of his career, he was respected and he took responsibility," He said.
"He was himself and had a zest for life and always loved connecting with the fans. They need that showman, extroverted side."
Bassong was only at Newcastle United for one season but still felt Beyi's influence. In fact, the Frenchman credits the former right-back for his successful spell with the Premier League team.
"He was like a big brother to me, looking after me. I often slept over at his place. I didn't have a car, so he lent me his car. Since I didn't have much money, he bought my first watch. I paid him little by little every month. He, Charles N'Zogbia and I were a trio. Without him, I wouldn't have had such a good year at Newcastle. He played a huge role in my success,Baisong explained.
