Back To Square One – Why Newcastle Should Re-Sign Loic Remy This Summer
Newcastle United are contemplating the idea of signing former striker Loic Remy from Chelsea in the summer, as per reports from the Chronicle (via Croydon Advertiser). The 30-year old spent a season on loan at the St. James’ Park four seasons ago and had a largely fruitful spell back then and now manager Rafael Benitez is mulling over a new offer for the forward ahead of the next season.
It is no secret that a striker is on top of the wanted list for the Magpies in the summer, as they look to mount a strong campaign on their comeback to the Premier League, after having won the EFL Championship title
Newcastle have been linked with a number of centre-forwards in the market, but haven’t been able to lock down on any deal as of yet. And now it is Remy’s name that is doing the rounds around the St. James’ Park.
The Frenchman joined Newcastle on loan from Queens Park Rangers in the 2013-14 season and enjoyed a very good spell that saw him score 14 goals in 26 matches for the Tyneside outfit. The club did try to make the move a permanent one the following season, but Remy ended up joining Chelsea instead. However, since his move to the Stamford Bridge, the 30-year old’s career has stalled quite badly.
Remy may have had a decent first season, scoring 9 goals, as Chelsea went on to complete a Premier League and League Cup double, but hardly featured in the 2015/16 season. Last season, he was loaned out to Crystal Palace, but a knee injury kept him out for most part of the season, meaning he just made 8 appearances without scoring a single goal.
With Chelsea having signed Alvaro Morata in the summer and with Michy Batshuayi in the ranks, Antonio Conte doesn’t see the former Lyon and Marseille man as an option for next season and is willing to offload him before the window closes.
The 30-year old may have hit a roadblock since his time at Newcastle, but there is no doubt about the fact that he is a good player and has loads of experience behind him. If he manages to stay fit, he will get you goals. A return to the familiar surroundings where he enjoyed one of his most prolific seasons in English football may well turn out to be the confidence booster that Remy needs, to turn things around. Considering that he has less than 12 months left on his deal with the Premier League champions, he wouldn’t cause much of a dent in Newcastle’ transfer budget as well.
If there is any truth to the rumours that the Toon want to bring Remy back, then they should definitely go ahead with their plans as Newcastle are very well aware of his qualities. If Rafa manages to bring the best out of him, they will have gotten a proven goal-scorer at their hands at a bargain price.