Achraf Lazaar is so far out of the picture at Newcastle United that he wasn’t even included in the club’s 25-man Premier League squad.
He signed for the Magpies in 2016 and hasn’t come close to making an impact at the club. There’s been three loan moves in the time since, with limited success during spells with Benevento, Sheffield Wednesday and Cosenza.
It was expected he’d again leave the club during the last window, given Newcastle United were likely looking for a permanent exit, however, he remains and is now an unnecessary figure on the wage bill.
With his contract expiring in June of next year, the winter market is the last opportunity for Steve Bruce’s side to get a transfer fee for the left-back. That’s going to be difficult and it may be a case of Newcastle allowing a free transfer to save money on salary.
Lazaar has been speaking to PassioneInter, and was asked how he’s feeling given his career problems: “I’m very well thanks! It’s true, it’s not easy and I’m not finding space with the first team, but I have many reasons not to give up. I still have one year on my contract and I still have a lot to prove, I’m playing matches with the second team and I’m always looking for motivation to stay on track with the utmost professionalism.”
Moving to Italy from Morocco with his parents as a child, Lazaar started his football career there. He was asked if he’ll be returning soon: “Italy is my home I miss and I miss my family, I don’t know what will happen in January, if maybe I will go to Italy or elsewhere: the only thing that matters to me is to go to a team that allows me to play. with continuity and confidence. My agent is taking care of it.”
The final question was about future career goals, and it’s clear he’s been frustrated by his Newcastle experience: “I have so many goals in my drawer, but I keep them to myself! One of those is that I would like to take back everything I have lost in the last few years. I know I have lost something but I have also gained a lot, I have learned a lesson in life and experience. And I can’t wait to start a new challenge.”
