OPINION
When a player is relegated to the reserves, you know that not much hope is left for them in terms of their career at the club.
In the case of Newcastle United, that player is left-back Achraf Lazaar.
The 26-year-old has recently requested to play in the Magpies’ reserves – as reported by the Chronicle – in order to get his career at the club back on track.
It remains to be seen whether it was actually on track in the first place, as he has never made a Premier League appearance for Newcastle since his arrival in 2016 – his six outings over the two years have only come in the League Cup and the FA Cup.
It is no surprise that he now wants to fight for his place at Newcastle, especially as his proposed loan move to Serie A side Genoa fell through in the summer.
However it is clear that Lazaar is in denial and he must now accept the fact that his career at St James’ Park is over, as he is not going to be progressing through the ranks any time soon.
As far as boss Rafa Benitez is concerned, the Morocco international plays no part in his plans whatsoever – so what is the point in him remaining on Tyneside?
It is understandable that he wants to extend his stay, but he is just not going to get the career he is after by remaining at St James’ Park.
There is no guarantee that the outcast will be allowed to feature for the reserves, so it is a risky move to decide to fight for his place.
Surely he does not want to be a player who is considered as a flop?
He has the potential to thrive at a club in the Championship, but obviously remaining the Premier League is a priority for him at the moment.
As hard as it will be, Lazaar needs to recognise that his future is fading at the Toon – and the faster he does that, the better.
