Ben Arfa Saga Reaches Positive Conclusion
French Ace Signs For Magpies
The on off transfer of the last few weeks finally ended in a positive fashion today as it was announced that French International Hatem Ben Arfa has signed for Newcastle on a season long loan deal from French Champions Marseille with a view to the move being made permanent next summer should he play a required number of games.
Personally I think this is a massive signing for us. A few years ago this kid was being touted as the next big thing but for one reason or another he seems to have lost his way. Whilst it is slightly worrying that the cause of that could be his attitude I think its a risk worth taking.
The team has been crying out for a bit of flair and guile for a good few years now, probably since fellow Frenchman Laurent Robert was shown the door by Graeme Souness. The likes of Wayne Routledge, Jonas etc give you a bit of raw pace and skill and the likes of Barton and Nolan etc will work hard and graft away in the middle but sometimes you need someone with a bit of class and skill about them to make something happen out of nothing and this is what I think Ben Arfa can bring to the team on top of being versatile enough to cover a few attacking positions in the team.
Im sure some people will disagree for various reasons but I think a degree of credit should go to the board for being persistent and making this deal happen especially when there will have been other teams interested. I actually thought this deal was dead but they have stuck in there and eventually got their man. Credit to to Chris Hughton who clearly isn't just looking to play defensively and scrape survival in this division, he has gone out and got a player who has a reputation of being a match winner.
If Ben Arfa can be nearly as successful as the likes of Ginola and Robert before him then ill be extremely pleased.
Whether that concludes our business in the transfer window remains to be seen. There are strong rumours that Robbie Keane could also be on his way on loan, another deal that if it happens would certainly be a very good coup.
I have to say I have been really impressed with our recruitment so far this summer, especially after the comments from the board which were interpreted by some as no money would be spent. For once we have actually gone out and strengthened the main positions that have needed strengthening. Keane would be the icing on the cake I think but even if we dont get him I think the squad has more than enough to survive or even more with a bit of luck and some similar performances to what we have seen so far. The only thing I think we are still lacking is a back up left back for Jose as we saw last season that when he didn't play the team suffered with other players having to fill in and do a job there out of position. Maybe Hughton sees Kadar as sufficient back up but I would certainly like to see a young specialist left back brought in to offer Jose cover and a bit of competition but thats just me being greedy!
What do people think of the Ben Arfa signing and our transfer dealings in general?
