Newcastle United seem likely to earn an immediate return to English top flight after succumbing last time around and eventually getting relegated. Rafael Benitez has reconstructed the club back from the scratch and has set up a high-performing group of assets and as a result, the Geordies have piled up 78 points from 38 league outings and are likely to clinch the Ladbrokes Premiership silverware as well as earn an automatic promotion spot.
However, the animosity and the cut-throat competition existing in the Premier League isn’t unfamiliar to Benitez and he would have to look to solidify his squad further to face the challenges once the parties and hangovers post the promotion celebration drowns out. Apart from looking for the prospective transfer targets in the summer transfer window, they must look into their own books and the developments of their personnel who were out on loan as well, but then, a blow is anticipated in this regard.
Recently, Florian Thauvin, who was sent on loan to Ligue 1 outfit, Marseille, has expressed his desire to leave St. James’ Park on a permanent basis in the summer and make a permanent switch to Stade Velodrome. The 24-year-old has been a revelation under the tutelage of Rudi Garcia and has scored 10 goals and registered 5 assists in 30 appearances.
He has consolidated his stature as one of the finest players of his age group and the Phocians would themselves be extremely keen to land such a stunning youngster permanently, implying that the Magpies are set to be dealt a blow.
Thauvin is an attacking midfielder who mainly plays down the middle but can be very efficient on the flanks as well. He struggled terribly after making a move to Newcastle United in the summer of 2015 from Marseille and owing to his stellar outings with the French outfit, he has recently bagged a call-up to the French squad. France have been perennially blessed with high calibre youngsters and Thauvin is one of the prime examples of their success stories.
A fast attacker who could cause all sorts of mayhem in the opposition ranks during the counter-attacks, the Frenchman relentlessly covers every blade of grass, is technically sharp and his short passes also help keep the game going.
Moreover, he has the tendency to find the back of the net and create ample amount of chances for his teammates as well. If the Toons fail to convince him to stay, they would be the only losing party if the transfer materialises.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored.com
