During a bizarre summer for Newcastle fans, the lack of signings had some hoping for a reunion with former favourite Hatem Ben Arfa, who is now a free agent, before Allan Saint-Maximin signed.
The Nice youngster’s arrival put an end to any talk of a possible return for the Toon cult hero – not that it was ever likely to begin with.
But Ben Arfa could be about to sign for a new club, with Serie A side, Sampdoria, seeming to be the next stop on the winger’s European tour.
A report on Soccer Link claims the player met with officials from the Genoan side in Monaco at the weekend, and Ben Arfa is expected to make a decision in the coming days.
Sampdoria finished ninth in the Italian top division last season, and will be hoping Ben Arfa can help propel them towards the European places this season.
Hatem Ben Arfa could have had the world at his feet on Tyneside
As frustrating a player Ben Arfa could be at times, he has talent in abundance, and is one of those players who can transform a game with a moment of brilliance.
He often left Newcastle fans’ mouths agape with some of his trickery and skills, which left you in awe of a magician at work.
His goals were often sensational, with his mazy run from halfway against Blackburn in the FA Cup springing to mind, or his 30 yard thunderbolt at Goodison Park against Everton.
He has had troubled spells at clubs since he left Newcastle, with his PSG time turning from a dream into a nightmare, and it will be interesting to see if he has learned from his mistakes should he end up in Italy.
But if he does, it will be sure to see Newcastle fans tuning into their games with interest, if possible, in the coming season.
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