Newcastle United flyer Achraf Lazaar could be facing a St James’ Park exit this summer if he fails to impress in pre-season, according to the Chronicle.
The regional newspaper claims that the 26-year-old will return to for training with the Magpies on 2 July after a horror season-long loan spell with Italian outfit Benevento.
It is understood that Rafael Benitez’ side will listen to offers for the Morocco international in the summer transfer window if he is no longer deemed good enough by the manager.
Lazaar is a left-sided speed machine that can play at full-back or as a winger, but failed to impress with Benevento and played just nine times as they were relegated from Serie A.
Good move for Newcastle?
Lazaar has yet to show anything in his two years at St James’ Park to suggest he can be a serious first-team player and offloading him in the summer makes sense.
His versatility and pace is surely an attractive skillset for most managers, but ultimately he doesn’t look cut out for Premier League football.
Newcastle should consider selling him on this summer and bringing in a new proven left-back to challenge Paul Dummet in the starting XI.
Nothing but Newcastle rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
Newcastle do need some reinforcements on the left wing ahead of next year and Lazaar has got an opportunity in pre-season to force his way into the squad, but recent history suggests he may fall short of Benitez’s requirements.
Nothing but Newcastle rating: 6/10
