Newcastle United have confirmed that winger Gabriel Obertan has left the club after his contract has expired.

Sylvain Marveaux has also joined the Frenchman in leaving St James’s Park before the end of the campaign. Even though the duo had a few more weeks left on their contract, they have agreed to leave the club by concerned. This would allow Obertan to quickly find a new club either in the English league or in the French Ligue One. Obertan has been playing in England since 2009, but he has played in less than 100 league matches during this period.

The poor appearance record of the Frenchman is down to the number of injury problems he has faced especially at Newcastle. This was also a major factor in Newcastle, who had just been relegated to the Championship, allowing the player to leave earlier than scheduled. The club are expected to have a huge fight on their hands to return to the Premier league once again. They experienced relegation only a few years ago, but were able to bounce back quickly. This time around, a swift return will depend on Rafa Benitez staying at the club and the amount of transfer funds he will be provided to strengthen the squad in the summer.

Obertan initially came to the Premier league to Manchester United, but he spent only two years at the club before joining Newcastle 2011. His best and most productive campaign with Newcastle was probably in his first campaign when he made 25 appearances in all competitions. In the last two seasons, though, he has managed just 21 appearances in total. Obertan has the experience of playing at clubs like Bordeaux and Lorient in the French league. It may help him secure a way back to French football in the summer.