Newcastle's first signing of the Joe
Kinnear era follows a similar pattern to the policy that preceded his
arrival with the announcement they've landed French midfielder Olivier
Kemen.
The 16-year-old joins an ever-growing list of players from France at St James' Park. Chief scout Graham Carr scours Europe for fresh talent and has previously enjoyed big success across the English Channel.
Kemen, who has sealed a move after compensation was agreed between the Magpies and FC Metz, has likened himself to Barcelona's Alex Song.
It isn't hard to see why. Although
still a youngster, the French Under-17 international has a big powerful
frame which should be suited to the rigours of Premier League football
in the coming years.
Making three appearances in the failed qualification for the Under-17 European Championship, big things are expected from Kemen.
He has played further forward centrally and in wide areas for youth teams but indicates that he sees a future in the middle of the park.
'Alex Song is a player I like a lot because he is very powerful, is good on the ball and has a good view of the game,' Kemen said.
And while the language barrier for foreign players can be troublesome to begin with, that won't be the case in the north-east. There are now 14 French-speaking players at Newcastle.
There are some good French speaking people so I can settle there fine on the guidance of everyone there,' he said, although he will be asked to learn English alongside Mathieu Debuchy, Yoan Gouffran and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa.
The 16-year-old joins an ever-growing list of players from France at St James' Park. Chief scout Graham Carr scours Europe for fresh talent and has previously enjoyed big success across the English Channel.
Kemen, who has sealed a move after compensation was agreed between the Magpies and FC Metz, has likened himself to Barcelona's Alex Song.
Join the club: Olivier Kemen is the latest in a string of French players to opt for a switch to Newcastle
Business as usual? Joe Kinnear's arrival prompted policy speculation but Alan Pardew has gone French again
Making three appearances in the failed qualification for the Under-17 European Championship, big things are expected from Kemen.
He has played further forward centrally and in wide areas for youth teams but indicates that he sees a future in the middle of the park.
Big hitter: Alex Song put in powerful displays
for Arsenal before moving to Barcelona and Kemen wants to eventually do
the same for Newcastle
NEWCASTLE'S FRENCH COLONY
Mathieu Debuchy
Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa
Hatem Ben Arfa
Yohan Cabaye
Sylvain Marveaux
Gabriel Obertan
Moussa Sissoko
Yoan Gouffran
Mehdi Abeid
Romain Amalfitano
Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa
Hatem Ben Arfa
Yohan Cabaye
Sylvain Marveaux
Gabriel Obertan
Moussa Sissoko
Yoan Gouffran
Mehdi Abeid
Romain Amalfitano
'Alex Song is a player I like a lot because he is very powerful, is good on the ball and has a good view of the game,' Kemen said.
And while the language barrier for foreign players can be troublesome to begin with, that won't be the case in the north-east. There are now 14 French-speaking players at Newcastle.
There are some good French speaking people so I can settle there fine on the guidance of everyone there,' he said, although he will be asked to learn English alongside Mathieu Debuchy, Yoan Gouffran and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa.
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