Saha went on loan to Newcastle United in January 1999, scoring once against Coventry City and playing in a total of 11 league games, also scoring once in Newcastle's run to the 1999 FA Cup Final with the only goal in the fifth round clash against Blackburn Rovers. Saha was however left out of the cup final squad entirely by manager Ruud Gullit. He later reflected his time at Newcastle United, saying it made him acknowledge how hard he has to work as a footballer and gaining confidence.