Newcastle fans want free agent Cabaye after former star released by Al-Nasr
The former Toon and Crystal Palace joined the Dubai club in July on a two-year deal but is now free to join a new side
YOHAN CABAYE is available for a return to the Premier League after leaving United Arab Emirates side Al-Nasr.
The French midfielder managed just six months of his two-year contract with the Dubai-based club before being released yesterday – a day before his 33rd birthday.
It means he is now a free agent and can talk with clubs about a potential transfer this month.
And there will surely be a number of Premier League clubs now considering a January swoop.
Cabaye burst on to the scene in England in 2011 when he joined Newcastle and that season became a fan favourite at St James’ Park, especially with a 30-yard free-kick to help beat Manchester United 3-0.
After two-and-a-half seasons, though, Paris Saint-Germain came calling but things did not quite work out for him as he would have hoped during his 18 months in his homeland.
Cabaye made his comeback to the Premier League in 2015, signing a three-year contract at Crystal Palace and helped the Eagles reach the FA Cup final in his first season.
But he failed to show the same class or consistency at Selhurst Park that he showed with Newcastle and left last summer when his contract expired.
With 175 Premier League appearances and 48 international caps, including at Euro 2012, the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016, though, Cabaye would surely be a fine addition to many of the struggling Premier League sides desperate for a spark of creativity in the middle as they try and avoid relegation.
Unsurprisingly, Newcastle fans were quick to suggest a stunning return could be on the cards.
Mike Ashley would, of course, not have to pay a penny to sign the midfielder but his wage demands may be a problem.
And it is not clear if Cabaye wants to head back to the north-east but it’s clear plenty of Toon supporters want him to.
Rafael Benitez’s side lack imagination in midfield with Jonjo Shelvey their only player who will stamp his authority on the game, dictate play and play that killer pass.
But even so, Shelvey has been linked with a move away this January meaning the need for someone like Cabaye would grow more apparent.