Rafa Benitez will have a huge clear-out at Newcastle this summer, when a number of fringe players who now have no future at the club will be moved out.
One of those seems to be Achraf Lazaar, who made only 9 appearances for Newcastle last season with 5 starts.
However, one of the problems we always seem to have at Newcastle is Ashraf is on high wages – said to be £35K/week – and the high wages our players receive often makes it difficult for us to move them on to other clubs.
Achraf Lazaar with Rafa Benitez last August
That’s often why we have to keep loaning players out, to at least get their wages off the wage bill.
It seems the £3M move from Palermo – done on the last day of the summer transfer window – just hasn’t worked out for the likeable player.
This is what Lazaar has said in the Chronicle today:
“We now need to hear what we do or what will change.” “Each player waits on their future, maybe they’ll stay or leave.”
“There is a good dressing room and it has been good to be here.” “They are very good guys.”
“I’d like to say thank you to all the fans on social media and people I see when I go out.” “The have made me feel like a Geordie!”
“We couldn’t believe what was happening, but we were so happy to win promotion and the title.”
“I am so happy for the team-mates and all the back room guys.” “They merited it. They played well against Barnsley, but also well throughout the season.”
“They have achieved what they have been focused on all season.” “It was good to be around these players.”
“I hope only good things happen to Newcastle for next season.”
“I don’t have enough good words to describe the fans, they are incredible.” “I have seen a lot of supporters around the world but never fans like this.”
“It is so good and they deserve to be in the Premier League.” “They are a big team with great fans.”
“They need for the team to win something and stay in the Premier League.”
“The Premier League is so hard, but the players have everything to play for at this level.”
Lazaar is said to be on vacation over here in the US after leaving a pulsating St. James’ Park on Sunday night.
The one thing we really like about Achraf is that while it must have been disappointing for him not to play many games, he always seemed to be smiling and upbeat and seems a real team player who added to the fabulous team spirit Newcastle have in the dressing room.
He deserves enormous credit for that and he seems a classy guy with those comments he has made today.
We wish him all the best for the future.
Comments welcome.
4 comments so far
yorkymag
May 13, 2017 at 7:45 AM
Comment #1Sounds like he is sorted ,back to the sunshine !!!
Lindisfarne
May 13, 2017 at 7:50 AM
Comment #2At over £50 a minute for first team football I would be smiling to. We did not get to see his quick feet attacking the space behind the oppositions fullback, or any improvement in his defensive play. If he can develop further I would like to see him stay.
geordiemark
May 13, 2017 at 8:04 AM
Comment #3some players take some time to settle in, don’t forget its a different country and he has to settle down living here so aye id give him time and keep him
Lindisfarne
May 13, 2017 at 8:06 AM
Comment #4The future is bright, although a long wait at three months before kick off and a few inevitable twists and turns.