Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez was in charge of Serie A giants Napoli between 2013 and 2015.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
Rafa Benitez has suggested that during his time as boss of Serie A side Napoli, he considered targeting current Newcastle United outcast Florian Thauvin, the Chronicle reports.
The 25-year-old joined the Magpies from Marseille in 2015, and endured a fairly miserable spell at St James’ Park before returning to his former club on loan at the beginning of this season for a second loan spell.
Thauvin has shown this season exactly why Newcastle were tempted to sign him, with 10 goals and five assists coming in Ligue 1.
But Benitez – who, of course, was not in charge when the winger arrived on Tyneside – has suggested that his form has come as no surprise to him, as he was on the Spaniard’s radar a few years ago.
Florian Thauvin
“He is a good player. I was even thinking about him when I was at Napoli and I knew about him and his quality,” he said, as reported by the Chronicle.
“He wanted to go to France, he is doing well and I am pleased with him.
“It is always positive to see somebody do well.”
The frustrating thing for Newcastle fans will surely be centred around how he never showed anything like the form he is enjoying now when he was playing for the Magpies.
Though there were the occasional bright moments, he predominantly struggled for the club, and that will mean that bringing him back into the team at the end of his spell in France would be a gamble.
But with the Chronicle suggesting that Marseille expect to make the move permanent in the summer, it seems that there will finally be some closure to the whole situation.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
