Wednesday, 23rd January, 2013
Lyon coach Remi Garde feels it is a little strange that Newcastle have raided the French market so heavily, but believes the departure of a number of players will allow young talents a greater chance to establish themselves.
Newcastle have snapped up Mathieu Debuchy, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa in the current window, while they are also close to completing moves for Yoan Gouffran and Massaido Haidara, and Moussa Sissoko is also poised to join up, either this month or in the summer.
Added to previous moves in the transfer market, the Magpies have concentrated near enough all their buying firepower on France.
And Garde finds it a little odd.
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"It is rather curious. It is strange what is happening with Newcastle", he told a press conference.
"French clubs are experiencing a period of austerity and do need to bring their accounts into order, while taxation is different in other countries", he acknowledged.
And Garde, who has placed his faith in young talents at the Stade Gerland, thinks there could well be a bright side for French football.
"All these departures can allow those young people to blossom at a high level."
It remains to be seen if Newcastle’s raiding of the French market will result in a leap up the Premier League standings during the second half of the campaign.
At present Alan Pardew’s men are suffering badly and have a relegation battle on their hands.
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