Since Arsenal started sniffing around during the summer, it’s become almost inevitable that Yohan Cabaye would leave Newcastle.
To say that he had his head turned would be an understatement. Cabaye batted his eyelashes back at the Gunners and made his desires quite clear to everybody (including the fans). In the end, however, he didn’t get the move he desired and has been forced to spend a few months more in his Newcastle-based purgatory.
As it happens, the whole debacle has done him the world of good. The little Frenchman has been in sparkling form this season and will surely work his way into the Premier League Team of the Year (that’s if he sticks around of course). It’s been the Cabaye and Loic Remy show at St James’ Park this season and that’s helped to drive the club back up the Premier League table.
In 20 appearances, he’s found the back of the net 7 times and chipped in with 4 assists. He’s an integral part of this side and he’ll prove to be very hard to replace. Still, his stature is such that he’ll command a hefty transfer fee when he does depart. If this money is reimbursed into team, then his loss may not be felt quite as keenly.
As it happens, The Mirror claim that Paris Saint Germain are willing to offer the Magpies as much as £21m to make a deal for the French midfielder happen. As he cost the club just £4.8m back in 2011, that would represent a tidy £16.2m profit.
PSG boss, Laurent Blanc recently spoke about the kind of players he’s currently looking out for in the transfer window. Check out these quotes:
“It would be good to recruit a player in the heart of the game, and have an extra player in midfield. We need a player who has the same mentality as the others when they are on playing or on the bench. He must love to play. He must be technically good and be tough, and whether this player comes or does not come, there will be competition in all positions.” (Source: The Mirror)
That sounds a little like he’s describing Yohan Cabaye himself.
With two years left on Cabaye’s Newcastle deal, Alan Pardew would be foolish not to take the Paris side’s money. Yohan will move on soon enough, but if the club sells now, they’ll be in a re-build and potentially come back stronger than ever.
I’ll certainly be sad to see him go, but it may be the best thing for everybody involved.
What’s your take? Should the Magpies wave goodbye to their gifted Frenchman?
Please follow @ThePerfectPass for more football related action!
ThisisFutbol.com are seeking new writers to join the team! If you’re passionate about football, drop us a line at “thisisfutbol.com@snack-media.com” to learn more.