According to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, Newcastle United are in advanced discussions over a deal to bring Inter Milan’s Valentino Lazaro to the club and the player himself is understood to be saying goodbye to his teammates at San Siro ahead of a potential move.
The 23-year-old has largely operated on the right of midfield for the Nerazzurri this season – featuring only 6 times in Serie A under Antonio Conte – registering just one assist, per Transfermarkt. An Austrian international, he only moved to Italy in the summer after previously spending two years with Hertha Berlin after progressing through the ranks with Red Bull Salzburg.
Despite major stars such as Sadio Mane, Naby Keita and Erling Haaland all following a similar path in that they started with the Austrian outfit, it’s fair to say Lazaro’s trajectory has somewhat stalled of late, given his lack of impact at Inter. In fact, even when comparing him to the Toon’s current wingers, it’s not overly clear as to why they’d want to move for him.
As per WhoScored, Lazaro only averages 0.8 dribbles per game, the same number as Florian Lejeune (who ranks seventh-highest in the squad) and both Jonjo Shelvey and Ki have averaged more crosses over the same period as him. With that in mind, here’s a look at how some of the fanbase reacted after @NUFC360 relayed the news to their followers.
The lads agent is offering him to almost every club in the Prem, mainly west ham. Believe it when I see it.
— Jordan (@JG29101) January 17, 2020
https://twitter.com/jossy_lye/status/1218082717692309504
Weird, he's a winger converted into a wingback so you'd think he wouldn't be a priority
— The Perennial Pundit (@PerennialPundit) January 17, 2020
https://twitter.com/javvytweets/status/1218087989345226752
Another RWB which isn’t needed, like he’d bring more competition but it’s not what we need right now
— Steven (@stevenrmears) January 17, 2020
Not the goal scorer we need
— Axel J (@AFJ_86) January 17, 2020
Why would Newcastle sign Lazaro? Join the discussion by commenting below…
