It has been reported in the newspapers that Manchester United winger Gabriel Obertan is set to sign for Newcastle this week, for a fee in the region of £3million. Obertan has hardly impressed since joining the Red Devils from Bordeaux n 2009, so what are Newcastle signing?
I’ve had a look on the internet and the consensus seems to be that the player has the ability but lacked the confidence to make his mark for the Old Trafford club. The only time I remember watching the player was in the Champions League for Man Utd against Bursaspor, and on that occasion I was fairly impressed. He seemed to have the ability to beat a man but his delivery lacked consistency.
From what I have read it seemed that Obertan was very highly thought of at Bordeaux yet struggled to kick on and become a regular, despite his talent that earned him a debut at just 17 years old. Indeed, BBC5 live’s European football expert, Andy Brassell, commented that Obertan was regarded as having the potential to become something special in France. Perhaps he would have been better served by remaining in France and playing more regular football.
The majority of Man Utd fans acknowledged his undoubted ability and would prefer to loan him rather than sell him. So it seems that they find themselves in a similar situation we find ourselves in with Nile Ranger. Another club may be better placed to help the player realise his potential but we don’t want to give up on the player just yet.
I think for £3million the player represents a good acquisition. The main thing that seems to be holding Obertan back is a lack of confidence. This is perhaps due to his lack of games at Old Trafford or the immense expectation that comes with representing England’s most prestigious club. If Newcastle can give him the games and restore the player’s belief in his own ability then he could become an excellent signing.
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he will do well at newcastle