When Yohan Cabaye left for Paris Saint-Germain during the January transfer window, he left a gaping void at the heart of Newcastle United’s defense.
The Frenchman’s exit was inevitable, so it’s somewhat surprising that Alan Pardew and co. didn’t already have a replacement lined up.
Unsurprisingly, the Magpies struggled throughout February. Whilst results have picked up in recent weeks, it’s clear that there’s plenty of work to be done in the summer.
In particular, Pardew needs to be given the cash to go after a talented midfielder who can improve the service into the club’s strikers.
A recent article in The Star claimed that Newcastle were after Montpellier midfielder Remy Cabella in January, but were unable to meet his club’s £15m asking price. Now it’s suggested that they’ll try again in the summer.
Sounds good, right? Unfortunately the Ligue 1 club’s President, Louis Nicollin could throw a spanner in the works. Check out his comments from earlier in the season.
“Newcastle? They’re good, aren’t they? Don’t make me laugh. In England, you should play at Arsenal or Chelsea or either of the Manchester teams at a push.”
You can practically hear the sarcasm dripping from his mouth when he talks about Newcastle, can’t you? But what does he know?
For a start, he seems to rate the Gunners above Manchester United and Manchester City, which is something considering the club’s bizarrely empty trophy cabinet.
I’d like to see the Magpies push ahead and try and seal a deal for Remy Cabella. I’m sure Nicollin won’t be so critical when he’s offered a truckload of cash.
As for Cabella himself, it’s clear that he’s a player who would dramatically improve this Newcastle side. The young lad oozes confidence on the ball, has pace, presence and craft. He’s the kind of player who can buy himself space and time on the ball with one touch and then deliver a killer pass with the next.
He may not be as good as Yohan Cabaye, but there’s a chance that he could get there eventually. So here’s hoping that Newcastle United don’t give up the chase just yet.
What’s your take? Should Alan Pardew continue to chase Remy Cabella?
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