Florian Thauvin – A Newcastle United flop to a World Cup winner
Florian Thauvin, 27, who rose through Grenoble’s youth ranks, was signed by Newcastle United in 2015 for £12m. He lasted only for half a season at St. James’ Park, making just four starts before moving back to Marseille on loan.
He spent the entire 2015/16 campaign at the Stade Velodrome and contributed with 15 goals and 10 assists. In the following season, he helped Marseille qualify for the Europa League as the French outfit reached the finals of the competition.
By that time, Thauvin had established himself as a key member of the squad and ended the 2017/18 season with 22 goals and 11 assists in Ligue 1, coming second only to Edinson Cavani in the top scorers’ list for the season.
His impressive performances earned him a call-up to Didier Deschamps’ French squad for the World Cup. Though he didn’t feature much in the tournament, he ended up as a World Cup winner with the France national team.
The Frenchman’s time with Newcastle United cannot be labelled as a flop as he was given fewer opportunities. However, he could not break into the starting XI for the Magpies and was deemed surplus to the team.
His return to Marseille was a blessing in disguise as he was able to display his best and become one of the most reliable players for the French outfit. Though he couldn’t help his side on the European stage, he continued his fine form last term, racking up 16 goals and 8 assists.
However, his progress was hampered earlier in this campaign as he struggled with an ankle injury and returned to the squad only last month in a cameo performance against Amiens in the league. He still remains Marseille’s best player and his return has been a huge boost to the squad as the French outfit are hoping for Champions League qualification next season.
Newcastle fans would be wondering if the club would have fared much better had they not sold him, especially this season, as their forwards have lacked a cutting-edge and have failed to show up on several occasions.
