Report: Newcastle outcast Achraf Lazaar told he can join Cosenza permanently

Add as preferred source on Google

Achraf Lazaar will be allowed to leave Newcastle United on a permanent deal next summer, according to The Chronicle.

Newcastle are trying to trim their wage bill and have decided to part ways with Lazaar. The left-back is currently on loan at Serie B side Cosenza and Newcastle will allow him to join them on a permanent deal.

Lazaar joined Newcastle in August 2016, penning a five-year deal. He still has over 18 months remaining on his contract but he has only played 10 times in more than three seasons with the club. Eight of those appearances were in the Championship and he has not played in the Premier League.

Formerly of Palermo, Lazaar joined Sheffield Wednesday on loan last January. The Morocco international impressed at Hillsborough and his Newcastle hopes were boosted when Steve Bruce moved from Sheffield Wednesday to St James’ Park.

But he has once again been deemed surplus to requirements. The 27-year-old is now out on loan at Cosenza and the Italian second-tier side have been told they can have him permanently in summer 2020.

TBR’s view

For the sake of his career, it is time Lazaar cut all ties with Newcastle. It has been a torrid three-and-a-half-year stay in England and he needs an escape.

At Cosenza, Lazaar has played twice. But he has not made the squad for the last few games. It is unclear whether he is injured again. Whatever the situation, he needs to get regular playing time under his belt to save his stuttering career.