Loic Remy: Hot or Not for Newcastle United?

Seven months after watching Loic Remy head south to sign for Queens Park Rangers, Newcastle have finally secured the services of the France international on a one-year loan from the Loftus Road outfit.

The 26-year-old will use Newcastle as a means to try and force himself into his country’s 2014 World Cup squad, while the Magpies will try to utilise the pacy forward as a means to catapult them towards a European place.

But are the Geordies getting a good deal for Remy, a man who headed to Tyneside in January, only to be lured to the capital for more money?

There is no escaping the fact that Remy snubbed Newcastle back in January. Flying into Newcastle from France with just paperwork and a medical to complete, a last-minute phone call from QPR chairman Tony Fernandes persuaded Remy to complete a quick-fire move to Loftus Road, where he scored six goals in 14 appearances as the R’s were relegated.

Remy almost certainly earned more money than he would have at St James’ Park, although the extra cash in his bank account wasn’t enough to keep him in the top flight.

The former Marseille striker may face criticism from some loyal Geordies, who could accuse him of being money-driven. But realistically, if someone offers you more money to do the same job somewhere else, you would see the obvious benefits.

And there is no doubting the qualities that Remy brings to the table. Electric pace, intelligent running and sharp finishing are attributes that Newcastle desperately lacked at times last season, while Remy enhanced his reputation with his goals for QPR.

Remy gives Newcastle boss Alan Pardew another option in attack. Not since Obafemi Martins have the Geordies had a striker with genuinely frightening pace, while Remy’s added versatility (being able to play on either wing as well as a centre-forward) will also help his new manager.

With the arrival of Remy the pressure will be eased on Papiss Cisse to do the bulk of Newcastle’s goal scoring, while Yoan Gouffran can also play with more attacking freedom and chip in with his share of goals from an expected left-wing berth.

It seems certain that Remy will be hot for Newcastle, although the loan spell could be cut short if the Frenchman is found guilty of the rape charge that currently hangs over him.

The court hearing is in September, which will define whether Remy is afforded the chance to endear and redeem himself amongst the Magpies fans.

The stage is set for a new hero at St James’ Park and even if it is only for an initial year, Remy can certainly be that man.