As transfers go, Achraf Lazaar’s to Newcastle United can be classified in the ‘flop’ section.
The Morocco international arrived at St James’ Park in 2016 from Palermo in Italy for £2.5m, but has only ever managed to make 10 appearances for the club.
Loans to Benevento, Sheffield Wednesday and Cosenza (in Serie B) have followed, and it’s with the latter that the 27-year-old is currently trying to get his career back on track.
However, that hasn’t really gone to plan either, as he’s made just eight appearances in the league for the Italian side, seeing a good chunk of his season being frustrated by a thigh injury.
Still, he isn’t giving up hope, as he explained when he sat down with Lions de l’Atlas to discuss his career and current situation.
Asked why he never managed to make it in England, he said: “For those that arrive from Italy, the impact of English football is quite complicated. I’ve always worked by giving my all to do as well as possible, but as I’ve said, I’ve had injuries that interrupted that progress”.
As for his time at Cosenza and his future: “I found myself easily at here. The objective is to help the club stay up in the league and to give the fans the satisfaction they deserve.
“At the moment, I’m focused on Cosenza. At the end of the season, we’ll evaluate with Newcastle what’s best for both of us.”
Cosenza currently sit 19th in Serie B, a good six points behind 17th placed Cremonese and eight behind 15th placed Ascoli.
With all football in Italy cancelled for the time being, Lazaar will now have to wait before achieving the goals he set himself this season.
