Thauvin Completes United Switch

By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor

Florian Thauvin has become Newcastle United's fifth signing of the summer, after completing a switch from Marseille.

The highly-rated 22-year-old French winger, who can also be deployed as a forward, has agreed a five-year contract on Tyneside and will wear the number 20 shirt.

As part of the deal, Remy Cabella has joined Marseille on loan until the end of the 2015/16 campaign, with an obligation to buy at the end of the season subject to certain criteria being met.

Born in the French city of Orléans, Thauvin made his professional debut for Grenoble in March 2011 before signing for Bastia.

After some impressive performances for the Corsican side - including starring in their Ligue 2 title triumph of 2012 - he moved to Lille in January 2013.

He returned to Bastia on loan for six months and in September of that year Thauvin moved to Marseille, where he made 81 appearances over the last two seasons, scoring 15 goals.

The highly-rated international has represented France at under-18, under-19, under-20 and under-21 level, and was a key part of the Les Bleus team which lifted the 2013 FIFA Under-20 World Cup.

"I am delighted to be a Newcastle United player," said Thauvin.

"I have come from France to a really big club and am very happy to be here.

"It is a big honour to know that Newcastle have been after me for such a long time and that they wanted me that much.

"They have put their trust in me and I am looking forward to playing for the team."

Newcastle United head coach Steve McClaren added: "Florian is a player the Club have been watching for a long time and I am delighted that we have been able to sign him.

"He is a perfect signing for this Club - someone who is young, with great potential and is one of the best young players in Europe.

"He is an exciting, creative talent who can score goals and make assists, and we believe he will have a very bright future at Newcastle."