Newcastle United Achraf Lazaar’s agent Roberto De Fanti revealed that the midfielder was set to return to St James Park as he wants to play for Rafa Benitez.
The 26-year-old left-sided midfielder spent the latest campaign out on loan at Benevento and his agent emphatically insisted that he wants to play in England and will refuse other destinations.
The Chronicle previously reported that Lazaar was facing an exit from the Magpies as Benitez would listen to offers for the midfielder if he doesn’t impress in pre-season.
“Lazaar has a contract until 2021 with Newcastle, he wants to return to play for Benitez and he intends to refuse all the other destinations,” said Fanti about his client’s future to Tuttomercatoweb.
“Achraf wants to play his cards in the Premier League, his future therefore – (the agent concludes) – will be in England.”
OPINION
Lazaar has made ten appearances for the Magpies in total and none of them suggested he had a bright future at St James Park. The 26-year-old may be able to play as a full-back or winger, but his versatility isn’t worth anything when he simply isn’t good enough for England’s top-flight. In fact Lazaar hardly covered himself in glory at Benevento either. The pacey player made nine appearances for the Italian club in Serie A, contributing just one goal, as Benevento went on to suffer relegation. The Chronicle’s report claims that the midfielder is set to return to the Magpies on July 2 and with that being the case, he needs to hit the ground running if he wants any hope of staying. It seems Benitez is being more than reasonable by taking another look at him, and if his agent is anything to go by, Lazaar won’t get his desired wish to stay in England if he doesn’t significantly up his game. The midfielder may have a long contract, but that won’t stop him being forced out the door at St James Park.
