It was a strange January for Newcastle United. A mixed bag of results culminating the Tyne Wear hammering by local neighbours Sunderland has left Newcastle once again away from relegation but not really troubling those above them either for European places or silverware.
The summer started with the appointment of Joe Kinnear, to the role of Director of Football and the promise of new signing’s.
Loic Remy, though, proved to be the only new arrival on loan, although he has had an extremely impressive season to date, you could feel the collective groan of Geordies as Newcastle essentially declared themselves a mid table team for another year.
Throughout January, Newcastle were linked to Remy Cabella of Montpellier, and the idea of teaming him with Cabaye in front of Tiote ably supported by Gouffran and Sissoko bristled with the promise of making a late surge towards the European places. News soon turned sour though with the deal thought to be agreed for a summer arrival and then confirmation from the player himself that nothing had been agreed.
Newcastle eventually walked away with Luuk De Jong of Borussia Monchengladbach on loan. De Jong has significantly fallen down the pecking order at the German club raising question marks over the signing, when there were more prospects available closer to home – Jordan Rhodes anyone?
Then came the hammer blow and the exit of Cabaye to PSG. Strongly linked to Arsenal in the summer and Manchester United as well, PSG made an offer Newcastle couldn’t refuse and also left them with little time to replace their star. Couple this with the defeat to Sunderland and registering four home defeats on the spin and it has left the mood round St James Park decidedly meek and sombre.
Fear not though Geordie Fans, below is a list of 3 players that can come in and replace Cabaye and restore Newcastle’s creative hub.