Less than 12 months ago, Cabella was considered to be the man to replace Yohan Cabaye as the club's creative lynchpin but thus far, the former Montpelier man has not shown enough to indicate that he can provide the ammunition needed for the forwards at the club. Injuries, a lack of form and problems adapting to the physicality of English football - as well as Alan Pardew allegedly not rating the player when he dropped the Frenchman in December - have meant that he has seen his career stutter badly during his first year on Tyneside. At £12 million, it may be hard to imagine the club writing the Frenchman off just yet but with rumours that Cabella has offered on a season-long loan to Montpellier, it does not bode well for his chances of establishing himself in the side. The signing of Georginio Wijnaldum, as well as Siem de Jong's return from injury, could mean that Cabella is pushed out to a spot on the wing or a place on the bench, which would be a waste of his flair. Instead, the 25-year-old must hit the ground running this season if he is to get back into the battle for the No 10 spot. His latest injury before the club's trip to the United States has come at the absolute worst time and there is a risk now that Cabella may be on the outside looking in at St James' Park- and he will have to do an awful lot of work to encourage Steve McClaren to play him in his favoured spot. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
NUFC contributor for whatculture.com/nufc.
University of Edinburgh graduate with a love of sport, in particular Newcastle United surprisingly enough. When I'm not shaking my head at Paul Dummett and Yoan Gouffran, I'm usually reading something or watching films of varying quality.
