A case of second time lucky for Newcastle United and Bassedas, who finally moved to Tyneside in May after negotiations earlier in 2000 had ground to a halt.
The combative but skillful central midfielder cost £3.5million from Athletico Velez Sarsfield, who were league champions four times during his spell at the club.
He was also a member of the Argentina Under-23 side which won the Pan American Games title in 1995.
Struggled to make an impact, however, making just 24 Premiership appearances by the time he was loaned out to Tenerife in January 2002 - only two of those in the 2001/02 season.
The player did insist he would return, vowing to make his career in the Premiership a success. Tenerife would be relegated that term.
- WHO'S WHO