Thauvin signs!

Florian Thauvin (who signed a 5 year deal with NUFC today) is, well, very stereotypically french.

Linked with Arsenal last summer, as well as being touted as being close to the top of the Newcastle United wish list for some time, Thauvin undoubtedly has bags of class.

Graham Carr has long been a huge admirer of the 22 year old France U21 international and it is easy to see why. The player is quick, has an eye for goal and composure to match his prodigious talent.

On the other hand, read Ben Afra. The lad is known to be somewhat of a sulk at times and can be infuriating and inspirational in equal measure.

Last season for example Florian was voted into the worst team of the season in Ligue 1. A victim of his reputation perhaps but it shows just how hot and cold the player can blow.

The question has to be, is he worth the risk!?

With 5 goals and 7 assists last season from his 36 league games he isn't exactly setting the world on fire, especially when you look at the man who was on the other side of the pitch, namely Andre Ayew. Ayew who joined Swansea on a free transfer this summer (although rumours of am £8m joining fee seem to have some weight) scored 10 goals and delivered 6 assists in just 28 games and has already hit the ground running for his new club.

Adding to the mix is the players lack of physicality. At 5ft 10inches he's not exactly small but his strength is sure to be tested in the Premier League. If we are being really cruel you could go so far as calling him a luxury player. And with Cabella being shipped out for what we can only assume is that reason and with Anita in and around the first team already it will be interesting to see how McClaren would fit them into a winning formula. Time will tell.

Is he an improvement on what Newcastle United have already? It would certainly seem like a step in the right direction.

Is this signing a gamble? I'd say so.

Will there be a buzz around St James Park every time he picks the ball up on the break? Too right there will be.

Welcome to Newcastle United Florian. Now let's see what you can do.