Gabriel Obertan looks set to be leaving Newcastle when the transfer window opens in the summer, according to reports from TalkSport.
The French winger has spent the majority of 2013 on the bench, after Alan Pardew’s January signings left Obertan out of favour at St James’ Park.
Both Moussa Sissoko and Yoan Gouffran have impressed Newcastle’s faithful, scoring 4 goals between them since their winter moves across the English Channel. The instant impact of the two Frenchmen have helped their side win their last three Premier League matches at home, pushing them further away from the relegation zone.
Obertan will be desperate for game time, as the winger hasn’t played a league game since January, coming on in the 80th minute in Newcastle’s 2-1 defeat at home to Reading. Since then, Obertan’s appearances have been limited to Europa League matches only.
With star man Hatem Ben Arfa returning from injury, Obertan seems to have fallen further down in Pardew’s pecking order, with the Englishman reportedly ready to sell the 24-year-old in the summer. And with clubs in Ligue 1 rumoured to be interested in the winger, Pardew may not struggle to find a new club for the Frenchman.
Obertan has scored just once in his 35 appearances for the Magpies since his move from Manchester United in 2011, where he also struggled to impress in his short spell there. With just nine games left in the season, Obertan will be looking to string a run of form together to ensure he’s a Newcastle player next season.
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