These players were already 'stars' who played internationally. Only difference is the British audience now know who they are, though those who take an interest in European football must have already known who these players were. Ba was highly rated at Hoffenheim, Cisse was consistently banging the goals in for an awful Freiburg side and Cabaye was pulling the strings for and captaining the team who won Ligue 1.
They weren't stars in England. And the EPL is the biggest league on earth. Maybe they were well-known among informed fans. But they've all crossed over to mainstream name recognition. Before Newcastle brought them in, none of these players were linked to Champions League clubs, were they?
And even if you disagree with this assessment, my larger point stands. Newcastle is an attractive place for quality players - who are not going to command 20 million transfers - to come and build their reputation.
Santons value increased to whom exactly?