Former Magpie Mehdi Abeid has issued a ‘come and get me’ plea to Newcastle United, admitting that he would love a return to Tyneside.

The 24-year-old midfielder left the club two years ago to join Greek giants Panathinaikos and now plays for Ligue 1 side Dijon and is believed to have caught the eye in his debut season in France.

Speaking to French media, Abeid said:

“Newcastle is the club of my heart. It meant a lot to me, so why not [return] one day? I haven’t had contact for now.”

“Perhaps they follow me, it would be all to my honour, for it is a great club, I do not close the door.”

Mehdi then went on to discuss why it did not work out for him during his time on Tyneside:

“I came when I was very young and without a professional match in my legs, I was impressed by the Premier League, I did not trust myself. I did not dare.”

“With a limited playing time, confidence decreases.”

“In addition, we often played the bottom of the table, there was maybe a fear of the coach to play me.”

Abeid showed promise in his rare appearances for the Newcastle and looked eager to make an impression on Tyneside, but was never given a fair run by Alan Pardew. He looked to be well built, athletic and a strong runner with the ball and is clearly putting this potential to good use in France nowadays.

I’d have entertained his return this time last season, but, unless he’s developed beyond recognition following regular first team football over the past 2 years, I can’t see this one happening given our need for Premier League ready players.

Here’s him in action in France last season..

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