Florian Thauvin’s pre-season revival under Rafa Benitez could see Newcastle United give him a second chance in the Championship, if they are able to hold off bids from his former club, Marseille.
Thauvin arrived on the Tyne with high expectations but failed to impress under Steve McClaren, and he looked to have played his final game for the club when he was loaned back out to Marseille.
As reported by The Chronicle, Marseille want another loan move for the young Frenchman on similar terms to the deal negotiated when United were keen on selling him in January. However, this deal was dismissed by the club’s board.
Newcastle are looking primarily for a £12 million sale to reimburse the cost spent on the winger last summer or a long-term loan deal with a permanent sale clause built in.
These circumstances are strikingly close to that of Remy Cabella, who seems to have re-joined Marseille on a permanent deal without any official announcement for either club.
Marseille – now under new ownership with Giovanni Cuccolunghi after the exit of ex-club president Vincent Labrune – have re-engaged in talks wth Newcastle over a loan move for Thauvin.
With this new change at the top for the French side, some of the financial pressure at the Stade Vélodrome seems to have been released, but it seems Newcastle, who have been successful so far during the transfer window, will not barter down their price for Thauvin.
The 23-year-old winger made a total of 13 appearances for Newcastle in the Premier League before returning to Ligue 1, where he made nine starts for Marseille scoring two goals.
In an interview with The Mag, Thauvin gave little away over the future of his career but seemed to remain loyal to the North East club.
I thought about my teammates and fans after relegation. This hurt too. I know what I want. We continue to discuss with the club, but this must remain between us. I greatly respect Newcastle and its leaders so won’t speak publicly on the situation. Marseille will be special in my life, this club has a lot. Obviously, we cannot remain indifferent to her interest. This is for Marseille or Newcastle to communicate on the subject. My agent is in contact with several clubs, that’s not for me to speak of. For now, I am a Newcastle player.
Benitez seems to have found some inspired form in the Frenchman, playing him in all three friendlies so far in the run-up to the start of the season.
Thauvin has trained hard in pre-season and muscled his place back in the team again, unlike fellow midfielder Moussa Sissoko who has made it public that he wants a move away from the club.
With the departure of Gini Wijinaldum to Liverpool and speculation of a transfer for Sissoko, it seems that United are struggling for squad depth on the wings.
Thauvin did not have the most inspiring season last year, but there is no doubt that he is talented and if demonstrates that he is willing to roll his sleeves up and fight for promotion, he would be a credible asset.
