Lille coach Rudi Garcia confirms Yohan Cabaye will join Newcastle United

Ligue 1 : Yohan Cabaye (Lille OSC)

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Lille midfielder Yohan Cabaye will join Newcastle United this summer, the club’s coach Rudi Garcia has confirmed.

Cabaye played a key role this season as Lille claimed their first league title in 57 years as part of a double with the French Cup, but the 25-year-old has now decided he needs a new challenge in his career, with the Premier League his preferred destination.

Garcia has revealed the midfielder informed him and the other players prior to the last game of the season, and confirmed the club has reluctantly accepted his decision.

“Yohan told us yesterday – first me, then the whole group before the game – that he has chosen to join Newcastle,” he told reporters.

“It is a choice that I respect, although I wish he continued the adventure with us.”

Cabaye will become the second French arrival at St James’ Park this summer after the club agreed a five-year deal for Lens youngster Mehdi Abeid, as manager Alan Pardew begins to look at reinvesting some of the £35 million received from Liverpool for Andy Carroll in January.

The Magpies have also been linked with Cabaye’s team-mate Gervinho, but Garcia is adamant the midfielder’s departure will not signal the start of a fire sale of the club’s prized assets.

“They are all under contract,” he added. “The only one who can leave is Yohan Cabaye. All others are under contract and, if desired, will be in the squad next season.”

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