LAURENT ROBERT’S son has turned his back on a big money move to the Premier League – to sign for Airdrie.
SunSport can reveal winger Thomas rejected a new four-year deal at Ligue 1 Montpellier to pen a 12-month contract with League One Diamonds.
Thomas Robert has signed for Airdrie
Dad Laurent in action for NewcastleCredit: PA:Press Association
The in-demand 19-year-old is a free agent and had been linked with clubs in the Bundesliga and England, as well as Rangers and Celtic.
But Robert – whose dad starred for Newcastle and PSG and was capped for France – wasn’t interested in playing Under-23s football.
He wanted regular first team exposure and has agreed to join Ian Murray’s side for the new season.
Sun Sport told you how Robert might have had the chance to emulate his dad’s legendary Newcastle career.
The Magpies were among the winger’s Premier League admirers after he rejected a new contract so he could move for free in a bid for more starts.
Bundesliga and Scottish Premiership clubs, plus French sides Nice and Rennes, are also keen on the 19-year-old.
Robert Sr won nine France caps, also as a wideman, spending five years apiece with his first club Montpellier and then Newcastle.
The ex-PSG star, now 45, hit 32 goals in 181 games for the Toon before joining Benfica in 2006.
His son’s agent, Mark McKay, said: “We have several offers from clubs in France, Germany and the UK but Thomas wants to be playing regular first-team football wherever he ends up going.
“He refused Montpellier’s offer of a new deal as he wants to be playing first-team football and he sees that as key to his long-term development at this stage of his career.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
