Newcastle United Left Empty Handed as Gameiro Opts for PSG Switch

Lorient’s Kevin Gameiro was a hot topic heading into this summer’s transfer season.

Rumors abounded regarding the destination of the French striker. The suitors ranged from Spain to England with many big clubs thought to be interested. Newcastle United tabled an acceptable offer for Gameiro in an effort to bolster their attack, but Gameiro spurned the chance for English futbol when he opted to sign for PSG this weekend.

Left empty handed, Newcastle must still find an option upfront, while this marks the beginning of what could be a huge spending spree in Paris.

Newcastle United must now turn their attention elsewhere for strengthening their attack.

The signing of Yohan Cabaye from Lille was a good start to their transfer season, and signing Gameiro would have been viewed as another good signing. Even though they missed on what appeared to be their first option, it may have been best for Newcastle.

Gameiro is not an overly physical player. His size gives him a first step advantage over larger defenders, but he can be muscled off the ball. Playing in the Premier League and dealing with the physical rigors would have been a large adjustment for Gameiro.

While it is not hard seeing Gameiro succeed in England, the question would be how long of an adjustment period would he have. Gameiro is a player with a high work rate, and that is always appreciated, but Newcastle may be best looking at a more physical forward. Players like Moussa Sow of Lille, and Gomis of Lyon would fit the English style of play better than Gameiro.

This is not to say those players are on Newcastle’s radar, but it is the type they should be looking for if they are still looking across the channel.

PSG has made their first real splash of the transfer season by adding Gameiro. You can bet this will not be the last big transfer the Paris squad pulls off this summer.

Expect PSG to look to add another top notch strike option to pair with Gameiro. Talk has surrounded bids for Manchester United’s out of favor Berbatov, and Inter Milan’s Cameroon sensation Eto, but do not expect to see either moving to the city of lights this summer.

A more likely scenerio is Diego Forlan. Forlan had a poor (by his standards) season in Spain. He is looking for a new home, and PSG would be a tremendous fit. His ability to not only put the ball into the back of the net, but to also carve out chances for others would be a perfect foil to go with Gameiro’s high work rate and finishing ability.

Add in the abilities of PSG’s Nene, and a potent attack is in place to light up Ligue 1. Outside of Forlan, another distinct possibility for PSG is Alou Diarra. It is rumored he is close to a deal with OM, but PSG may hijack the bid to add some more steel to their midfield with the retirement of Makelele.

The goals for both Newcastle and PSG are the same, to climb the mountaintop and be kings of their respective leagues.

PSG just happens to be closer to the summit with more money to burn, and the summer signings for both squads will reflect it.