As far as we can tell, by looking through our archives we have never ever been linked with Lyon’s French International play-maker Yoann Gourcuff.
Yoann Gourcuff – 26 year-old French International play-maker
But there is news today that clubs supposed to be after the player are Arsenal and Newcastle, and that they have made no contact with Lyon – well maybe, just maybe, that’s because they are not interested in the player?
It’s true that Arsenal were linked with Yoann last summer, but Newcastle were not, and it seems Lyon are prepared to sell him this summer, and the Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas is ready for offers coming in, and this is what he told the French press.
“I don’t know if there will be offers,” “But his current level should attract some clubs.”
Gourcuff has played for all the France youth sides, and 29 times with four goals for the full French side.
Yoann started his career with Lorient back in 1992 when he was six years old and his father was the manager, and he moved to Rennes in 2003 where he spent three seasons.
He then joined Inter-Milan in 2006 for a fee of €4.6M (£4M) and was there for two seasons before joining Bordeaux, where he had been on loan for a year and stayed for one more season when Laurent Blanc was the manager.
And the 6’1″ player then joined Lyon in 2010 for €22M (£19M) and that transfer fee should be enough to put Mike Ashley off trying to sign the attacking midfielder, who can also play as a second striker.
Yoann is a gifted player, but we don’t expect Newcastle to be interested in him this summer.
What do you think?
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75 comments so far
santonthenewmaldini
Jun 9, 2013 at 1:45 AM
Comment #1Again I would not get hopes up for us signing a lot of players we actually have a huge squad its just lacking in quality but if everyone is fully fit and we are still intending to play 1 up front then we might not sign that many players
If we got a top drawer striker with pace and a proper left winger with pace and good delivery and a center back upgrade for Williamson/Taylor then I would be happy as long as no one like Cabaye, Cisse or Arfa is sold
Williamson is on 40k a week is he not though?Will be impossible to shift as he will get nowhere near that at any other club
AndyNUFC
Jun 9, 2013 at 1:59 AM
Comment #2From the little I have seen he seems a very talented player.
However I can just imagine that with our top 10 ambition, despite the big TV money, we will buy only a few first team players.
I can see us just buying players to fit a formation. Maybe a second striker – Taraabt? Though it clearly depends on who we sell.
yahya_nufc
Jun 9, 2013 at 2:11 AM
Comment #3Get rid of the 2nd rate French players and sign this guy, he is a big name ad quality, pairing him up with Cabaye will be a awesome
arctoa
Jun 9, 2013 at 2:17 AM
Comment #4I’m pretty sure this guy has spent most of the last two seasons injured, and would come with quite a lot of baggage.
Biggie
Jun 9, 2013 at 2:29 AM
Comment #5This guy was highly touted to be the future of French football a fair few seasons ago. I think that injuries have taken their toll and he is not the same player that Lyon signed. That is the only reason they would be willing to let him go. Would not touch personally.
gonufc (not Arf' bad)
Jun 9, 2013 at 4:55 AM
Comment #6Damn, this is I think the most disheartening transfer window ever so far- and after last year that really is saying something!
I just can’t see us going more than 5m net spend. I think we’ll get a couple ‘Bigi’ type signings and one ‘Anita’ type…again.
I hope they realise that last summer was the primary reason of having such an abysmal season.
But that’s how it will be. Ashley gets everything he wanted out of the club as long as we stay in the premier league. In fact, a relegation battle which we just survive (again) would possibly be ideal in getting as much advertising for sports direct as possible.
People in the media and of other clubs seem to think it’s the results which are making so many people unhappy with Pardew.
It really isn’t, for me atleast and I believe many others, it is the performances. The team look so disorganised and without any cohesion at all. The most hoofing in the league is what we have- officially.
And it really isn’t the new signings not gelling or the injuries- this is simply the style we are now. They look like complete strangers who are terrified of the ball yet unlike some we don’t even take awful attacking for a strong defence!!
And if anything it is getting even poorer week by week! What the hell do they do in training?!?!
I would love to hear what Pardew actually thinks of his ‘style’. Has he ever described it?
p
Jun 9, 2013 at 6:07 AM
Comment #7Too early to comment on transfer window, it’s not even officially open yet.
There will be some ins and outs, unlikely to be exciting but with any luck shrewd signings that address the squads weaknesses.
On theother hand it could be a shit show, we’ll have to wait and see
Moe
Jun 9, 2013 at 7:58 AM
Comment #8Agree with @arctoa #3 this guy is injury prone don’t think we’ll ever go for him.
How about Adam Maher of AZ still young 19 years, show a lot of promise and much cheaper (should cost around 5.5M). Soon enough a lot of so called big clubs will be hovering around him. I say we make our move now.
JAMSHA
Jun 9, 2013 at 8:01 AM
Comment #9ON CISSES TOPIC…. SELL HIM… I.DNT CARE……
Ben3arfa
Jun 9, 2013 at 8:10 AM
Comment #10Gourcoff is on about 80k a week at Lyon
He’s been injured alot and when he has played the past two season it has been mostly poor
Ben3arfa
Jun 9, 2013 at 8:15 AM
Comment #11On the Cisse topic
It is clear that the English media is playing on the heightened emotions between the British Muslim community and racist scum like the EDL
Interesting that the story (which I think is most probably false) has helped unearth some of the closeted EDL racists on this blog such as NUFC_LEAZES END
Any moron that believes that story and begins to insult Muslims on the back of it is forgetting that Cisse , Ben Arfa and Tiote are not the only Muslim players in the team but we also have Moussa Sissoko and Massadio Haidara. Not to forget Mehdi Abeid and Demba Ba , who was our top scorer last season albeit leaving to Chelsea in January.
I request Ed Harrison police his blog much better to avoid having racists such as NUFC_LEAZES END comment with their disgusting blasphemy
spitfire_
Jun 9, 2013 at 8:17 AM
Comment #12This will be the whole summer… link after link… and at the end… nothing.
Lilongwe Geordie
Jun 9, 2013 at 8:27 AM
Comment #13Given that Arsenal have been interested in him for years, he spends most of his time injured, has high wages, and would most likely cost upwards of 10 million, I think we can file this in the non starter section.
Cisse, if the money is right sell him. In football terms he is not irreplaceable. Whether we would replace him or not is a whole different story.
Leazes End, most of your posts are moronic and pointless, your last couple, really show you for what you are.
Ginger
Jun 9, 2013 at 8:32 AM
Comment #14Ben3arfa
It was a disgraceful comment. There is no point in banning him though because he’ll just come back under another name.
Jail for Ashley
Jun 9, 2013 at 8:35 AM
Comment #15I’m not going to start complaining about summer signings or lack of as there are still three weeks before the window opens but I’m not going to be to hopeful like I was last year either, I just can’t see a regime that seem content with mid table and actually weakened a squad before a European campaign adding to a squad which to their standards was increased massively six months ago.
Slank
Jun 9, 2013 at 8:37 AM
Comment #16We already have Yohan Cabaye and Yoan Gouffran, how many more Yoanns do we need?
Would be very confusing for the English players, especially our centreback.
‘Pass to Yohan’
‘No not that one the other one’
‘ Non Non merde, the other one Steven, vous stupide baiser!’
geordiefromthemidlands
Jun 9, 2013 at 8:37 AM
Comment #17Here here Ben3arfa
Deplorable comment. And reposted too.
Lilongwe Geordie
Jun 9, 2013 at 8:38 AM
Comment #18Ben3/Ginger,
No point banning him, as it won’t change his views. Most of us on here know that the comment was wrong, thoughtless and moronic. He doesn’t bring much to the debate when concentrating on football anyway, so just ignore his posts.
Ben3arfa
Jun 9, 2013 at 8:39 AM
Comment #19@Lilongwe Geordie
Agreed mate . Done
expatmag
Jun 9, 2013 at 8:40 AM
Comment #20There is no room for any form of racism or religious vilification on a footbal blog anyway.
Regarding this lad, I think if we are looking at a support striker, we would be looking at someone younger and fitter than Gourcouf and more in the mould of Siem De Jong.
Another alternative is the purchase of a quality winger or two and move Ben Arfa in behind Cisse with Marveaux as his back up.
Wewould have to play carpet fooball for that though.
HullMag6
Jun 9, 2013 at 8:41 AM
Comment #21Daft thought. ..
Sign siem de jong and swap cisse for luuk.
Sign AC and a cb that can score
Job done, then overhaul coaching staff
Jail for Ashley
Jun 9, 2013 at 8:44 AM
Comment #22Lilongwe,
You claim that Cisse is replacable, a striker that despite his poor season had a 2.5 ratio in a very poorly performing team, if these type of strikers are so replaceable how come we are still waiting for Andy Carrolls replacement .
Lilongwe Geordie
Jun 9, 2013 at 8:44 AM
Comment #23Hull,
You make it sound so easy! 🙂 Although why you want AC back is beyond me! Unless it is to provide Taylor with a ‘friend’ in the physio room.
Indian Magpie
Jun 9, 2013 at 8:49 AM
Comment #24sign stefan keissling
expatmag
Jun 9, 2013 at 8:50 AM
Comment #25A supporting striker and a quality wingerr are priorities in my eyes first.
I dont think Carroll is the man for us especially iof we eventually decide to play it on thne ground.
Cisse is the fox in the box we need so we cannot sell him but we need to provide and support him better than before.
Lilongwe Geordie
Jun 9, 2013 at 8:50 AM
Comment #26Jail,
Behave. What do you mean by Andy Carrolls replacement? An injury prone lump that has cost Liverpool £603,000 per game and £3,181,818 per goal. If it is about the goals instead, then he was ably replaced by Ba, albeit 6 months late.
As for replacing Cisse, while I would prefer to keep him, if the money is right, why not sell? Not to mention the fact that his inability to hold the ball up doesn’t fit with the tactics used by Pardew.
Lilongwe Geordie
Jun 9, 2013 at 8:57 AM
Comment #27A bit of devilment by the Journos with this piece, NUFC interested in a player who effectively plays the exact same position as Cabaye’s best position the day after rumours that Cabaye wants out.
Jail for Ashley
Jun 9, 2013 at 8:59 AM
Comment #28Lilongwe,
Regardless of what AC has done since he left he scored goals for us and I’m sure you are aware that his replacement Demba Ba is no longer with us.
Indian Magpie
Jun 9, 2013 at 9:00 AM
Comment #29If CISSE is a fox in the box Why is he running the channels with other MF players 50 yards away
Toon-Prodigy
Jun 9, 2013 at 9:00 AM
Comment #30There will be two upfront next season once we get Ba’s replacement in.
The tactics will be totally different, as will the football.
Huge mistake by the board in January not having a plan B if Remy knocked us back.
Roll on, goals goals goals galore.
jimmysmith
Jun 9, 2013 at 9:01 AM
Comment #31“injury prone lump” – bit harsh surely, although granted ordinary fitness record, factor that into any offer for the fine young Geordie centre forward.
expatmag
Jun 9, 2013 at 9:01 AM
Comment #32LILONWE
I read that same statistical article today on the BBC website too and it threw up a ;oy of interesting facts.
I woud agree with your assessment of Cisse if we continued long ball football but if we buy a couple of wingers who can get around the back of defenders and get quality balls in behind lus moving Ben Arfa to the centre with Cabayeslotting balls into space ahead of Cisse would see him athis best, in my opinion.
expatmag
Jun 9, 2013 at 9:03 AM
Comment #33Indian
Surely I dont need to explain the reasons to you.
HullMag6
Jun 9, 2013 at 9:04 AM
Comment #34Ac would still be better than bambi. Yes I have a soft spot for the lad and I still think he had unfinished business at the club for the club.
I think our transfer system is up and running but there’s nothingleaked until virtually completed so all should be ok – but Remy is the unfortunate exception. I think AC is a possible move probably left to simmer til deadline day for a bit of drama unless He himself pulls the plug and stays at the bin dippers or rejoins fat sam.
Is it red or is it black? How many decisions have been made this way I wonder?
Lilongwe Geordie
Jun 9, 2013 at 9:04 AM
Comment #35Jail,
I am fully aware that Demba is no longer an NUFC player, but he was a replacement for AC. I guess in your view that Ferdinand wasn’t a replacement for Cole as he is no longer at the club either? Which incidentally mirrored the Carroll Ba situation, sold in Jan, replaced in July. Jail for Keegan?
Surely a more pertinent question, or point would be to ask where Ba’s replacement is?
Lilongwe Geordie
Jun 9, 2013 at 9:10 AM
Comment #36Expat,
I hope we start playing more passing football, I’m not convinced it will happen though. I agree, if we had wingers and played better football, creating more chances then Cisse would be scoring left right and centre. But, if, as Ashley has reportedly decided, Pardew is staying, surely we would be better off having players that suit his style, otherwise we are setting up to fail again.
Hull,
To be fair to the club, they did think the Remy deal was done pretty much.
Jimmy,
Yeah, injury prone lump was maybe slightly harsh, although he has been injured for more then 50%of the time since signing his improved contract with us a month before he joined Liverpool.
HullMag6
Jun 9, 2013 at 9:10 AM
Comment #37I dont think Ba was ACs replacement originally they were to play together til liverfool tavled that ridiculous offer Cisse was possibly the replacement but we have never really replaced lover and best leabing us light pf up front options.
Lilongwe Geordie
Jun 9, 2013 at 9:13 AM
Comment #38Hull,
Ba joined West Ham in the window that Carroll left us. He then joined us 6 months later. How was he signed to play with Carroll?
Lilongwe Geordie
Jun 9, 2013 at 9:16 AM
Comment #39Hull,
I’d say Lover was replaced by Goofy. Again, 6 months late. Best, still not replaced. The club would probably say Campbell replaces him now, numbers wise.
Krul Blow
Jun 9, 2013 at 9:16 AM
Comment #40It’s FANTASTIC to see the toon featuring 3 times in this video of the 101 greatest goals of 12/13 season.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/sportvideo/footballvideo/10104169/Today-on-YouTube-101-of-the-best-goals-scored-in-the-201213-football-season.html
It’s a shame that in every case we are the one’s being scored against!!!!
Hold on…. There is one video fo Cisse scoring… for Ivory Coast… d’oh.