It has been confirmed that Newcastle United winger Florian Thauvin will be leaving the Magpies permanently at the end of the season. The 24-year old Frenchman had arrived at the St. James’ Park back in 2015 on a five-year deal from Marseille.
But having struggled to settle at Tyneside, he returned to Marseille on loan in January 2016 until the end of the season and returned for a second consecutive spell at the start of the ongoing season. He has been impressive in France this season, having scored 10 times. As a result, he has earned a call-up to the France national team for the upcoming fixtures against Luxembourg and Spain.
Speaking to RMC Sport in his homeland, Thauvin revealed he only needed to start three matches for Marseille, to realise he didn’t want to go back to Newcastle.
“It was a loan with an automatic purchase,” he said. “After three games I belonged to Marseille so it was almost a transfer.
“No doubt, I’ll be at Marseille next season.”
Thauvin made 13 appearances for Newcastle during his stay and scored one goal. With his extremely short period at Newcastle coming to an end, we pick out three players Rafael Benitez and the Magpies can target in the summer window to strengthen their flanks:
Andros Townsend
The former Tottenham man has been chased by Newcastle since the winter transfer window, but had to face the refusal from Crystal Palace.
However, with their return to the Premier League almost certain and Crystal Palace’s possible relegation could see Townsend make the switch. The 25-year old has scored 2 goals and set up four more for his teammates this season with the Eagles. However, the numbers don’t really back the talent he is. With his pace and trickery down the flanks, Newcastle will be a force to be reckoned with in the top tier.
Adama Traore
The promising winger has been one of the very few impressive things about Middlesbrough this season and could be tempted with a move, given their relegation to the second tier looking very likely.
Traore hasn’t scored or assisted a goal this season for Boro, but he has displayed a plethora of skills and burst of pace on the flanks. Having come through the Barcelona youth academy, Traore had been earmarked for big things and it is clear to see why. With his ability to get past his man with great speed, he will bring a lot to the table for Newcastle and given his age, he will only keep getting better.
Lazar Markovic
The Liverpool wide man has failed to get going in England and has been sent out on various loan spells by the Reds. However, he looks like he is getting back to form with his latest team Hull City.
Markovic has made 7 appearances for the Tigers after arriving on loan in January and has given a decent account of himself, despite not being able to score a goal yet. He has shown that he has the pace and the ability to dribble past defenders and can also thread a defence splitting passes as well. The 23-year old still hopes of a future at Anfield, but it is unlikely that Klopp sees him as a part of his plans. Benitez could offer the Serbian a way out from his former team.
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