This summer a plethora of French-born players have joined clubs throughout the Barclays Premier League. The latest transfer rumours in the Premier League have been circulating around French-born players with Newcastle United and Premier League newcomers Swansea City reportedly interested in Gabriel Obertan and David Trezeguet. Today, rumour became reality as Obertan sealed a move to join the Magpies.
Obertan’s United Exit
Despite showing good preseason form on Manchester United’s 2011 US Summer Tour, the Red Devils have parted ways with former Bordeaux winger Gabriel Obertan. The pacy winger has agreed to join Newcastle United in order to receive regular first team football, which did not seem likely at Old Trafford following Fergie’s signing of Ashley Young this summer. The 22-year-old is Newcastle’s fifth French signing of the summer, following the likes of Demba Ba, Sylvain Marveaux, Mehdi Abeid, and Yohan Cabaye to St James’ Park.
Shortly after officially joining the Magpies, Obertan provided the following statement to the Tynesiders’ official website.
“I spoke with some of my friends and Newcastle is a big club with history in England, so it’s a great move. I spent two good years in Manchester, but it was a bit difficult with the competition and I really needed a club where I could play more games.
“It won’t be easy to play each game here, because there’s a good group, but I want a fresh start. I’ve heard a lot about the fans, the atmosphere, the passion around the club and the way the city is behind the club 100 per cent. So I think I’m going to love it.”
In the last two seasons, Obertan has appeared in 28 competitive matches for the Red Devils, scoring just one goal.
Swansea Targeting French Star Trezeguet
According to Goal.com, Swansea are reportedly keen on signing French hitman David Trezeguet on free transfer from relegated Spanish side Hercules. Swansea are set to prepare an offer within a week in order to add more quality to a side that hopes to remain in the Premier League. Trezeguet would give Swansea a strong front-man with aerial and finishing ability, though you may not want him taking penalties in big game situations.
L’Equipe was the first source that linked Trezeguet to Swansea City, the same source that reported Nice were interested in the striker earlier this summer. In his only season with Hercules, French standout Trezeguet bagged 12 goals in 31 appearances. Over the course of Trezeguet’s illustrious club career, he has scored 245 goals in 477 games, a truly remarkable goal-scoring record. While on international duty with France, he has scored an impressive 34 goals in 71 appearances.
Taking everything into consideration, if Swansea City can lure Trezeguet to Wales, he would be a great signing. Not only would he give Swansea more global recognition, but he would provide them with a weapon that has a tremendous eye for goal. He could also serve as a mentor for Swansea’s promising young forward Scott Sinclair.
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