Hatem Ben Arfa`s contract at PSG expires in the summer, and he will be leaving the Ligue One side on a free transfer.
The 31 year old has not played a single competitive match this season after being frozen by manager Unai Emery, while he has also had injury problems.
One supporter on Twitter posed the question about a possible return to Tyneside for the Frenchman, and a lively debate ensued:
He`s like 30 now and hasn`t played a proper game of football in yonks
? Michael Middleton (@MichaelMidd90) 26 March 2018
Would rather take Shola back. At least he consistently tried.
— ACS? NUFC (@Albertschipshop) 26 March 2018
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO UM NO
? megatroy13 (@megatroy13) 27 March 2018
I think it would be different to last time having not played for a long time, he`d also be made to work and earn his chance under Rafa. Yes!
? James Beedie (@17jamesbeedie) 26 March 2018
Definitely. If he can get back to his former glories, he can really light up St James` again.
? Liam Ryder (@LiamRyder03) 26 March 2018
No. Move On.
? Tim Cairns (@tim_cairns) 26 March 2018
Absolutely not
? david rogan (@rogie91) 26 March 2018
I didn`t rate his consistency when he played for us. But surely he wouldn`t fit into a Rafa team and surely he`s past it now. How old is he for goodness sake. #nufc
? Tony Armstrong (@tonyarmUK) 26 March 2018
Yes
? Mod (@modrtaa) 26 March 2018
No, too much of a risk. Should focus on other targets.
? Roy Emanuel (@Roy13a) 26 March 2018
Verdict:
To say Hatem is an enigma would be an understatement. The man has supreme talent, but he flattered to deceived whilst at the club, and a return at this stage of his career is unlikely to be anymore successful.
The playmaker has certainly matured, but his age and lack of match practice would likely count against him. Not only that, he is likely to be hesitant about returning to England where he has failed before, and Rafa would no doubt find it hard to tame a midfielder who prefers to have a free role.
It was only two years ago when he scored 18 goals for Nice, following his exit from St James` Park, but it would be a huge gamble for the club to take him back for a second time.