Florian Thauvin to Newcastle: Latest Transfer Details, Reaction and More

Newcastle United have announced the signing Florian Thauvin from Marseille for an undisclosed fee:

However, the Magpies will send Frenchman Remy Cabella to Marseille on a season-long loan in return, per the team's official announcement. 

Here’s a glance at what Thauvin, a 22-year-old French Under-21 international, will bring to St James’ Park:

The winger certainly possesses all the traits to be a top quality player. Blessed with a sharp turn of pace, quick feet and an eye for a pass, the midfielder was once viewed as one of France’s brightest prospects. But there’s no denying there is an element of risk when it comes to this particular transfer.

As noted by Tom Williams of Agence France-Presse, his acquisition bears resemblance to another Frenchman once signed by the Toon Army:

Indeed, after signing for Marseille from Lille in 2013, Thauvin hasn’t blossomed as many expected. Goals have been hard to come by in the French top flight, and for a player who seems to pride himself on being a creative midfielder, assists have been scarce too. According to WhoScored.com, he only notched four assists in Ligue 1 in 2014-15.

Likewise, Cabella struggled to find his form for the Magpies in his debut season with the club and lacked consistency in his play all season long. Marseille will hope the Frenchman can recapture the form that made him a hot commodity before landing on Tyneside. 

Thauvin will be hoping to make a major impression in English football, although it may take a little bit of time for him to become better acquainted with the pace of the league. 

If everything aligns for him in the black and white, then the Frenchman has all the qualities to become an instant hero for a fanatical set of supporters. But there’s still plenty of developing for the youngster to do before he scales the levels so many expected of him when he first burst onto the scene.