Having lost Yohan Cabaye during the January transfer window (an inevitability really, but a shame nonetheless), fans and pundits alike await with baited breath to see what Newcastle United do to replace him.
Cabaye offered this side so much in terms of passing range, set-piece ability, confidence on the ball and exciting attacking play, that replacing him is a mammoth task. Alan Pardew will have to take time off from walloping footballers to prove his worth in the transfer market.
Of course, attentions have turned to Ligue 1 as speculation grows as to which young starlet Newcastle United will sign next. Montpellier’s Remy Cabella is a youngster who has been on the club’s radar for quite some time.
At 23-years-old the Frenchman has already demonstrated the quality, mentality and ability to thrive at a club like Newcastle. Indeed, if Alan Pardew can convince Montpellier to sell, I have little doubt that Cabella will help to drive The Magpies back up the Premier League table.
Unfortunately, fans of Newcastle United will be aware that Montpellier president, Louis Nicollin isn’t all that enamored with The Magpies. He recently moved to crush Newcastle’s links to Cabella and threw in a few barbs in the process. Check out these quotes:
“We promised to let him leave. We will try to advise him to not leave for anywhere. Is Newcastle a good destination? Don’t make me laugh. In England you have to go to Arsenal, Chelsea or any of the two Manchester teams.
Would I advise him against joining Newcastle? Yes definitely. Arsenal, why not? For my dear Yanga-Mbiwa, Newcastle was not Eldorado.” (Source: The Mirror)
Ouch. Still, I fancy that his tone might change should Newcastle offer him a decent amount of money. It’s interesting to note that he listed four clubs with a decent amount of financial firepower. Is there really any difference between Arsenal and Newcastle nowadays? Neither side seem to win any silverware.
Still, if Cabella is looking for Champions League football, he should move to a club like Arsenal. If he’s looking for regular football at an ambitious club, with plenty of his French colleagues, then Newcastle may prove to be a more promising destination.
Whether or not Nicollin likes the club doesn’t really matter. It’s the player’s opinion that matters. So let’s hope that Remy Cabella is on board.
What’s your take? Should Newcastle continue to pursue Remy Cabella, or take the hint from Louis Nicollin?
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