Player claims he’s ‘ready to join’ as club prepares January bid for NUFC defender – Report

According to Secolo XIX, Genoa are now considering a January move for out of favour NUFC left-back Achraf Lazaar.

The Moroccan international was close to completing a move to Genoa over the summer, however the club’s sporting director changed his mind at the last minute, seeing the deal collapse at the 11th hour.

Interestingly, Lazaar admitted in a recent interview that he would very much be open to a move back to Italy if Genoa rekindled their interest, so this one could well happen if they do come back in for him in January.

Here’s what the 26-year-old said just last week when discussing the move that broke down over the summer – admitting that he’d be ‘ready to join’ if they came calling again in January:

“I’d have loved to play for Genoa because it’s a great club with incredible players. I know this club very well but [Genoa President] Preziosi changed his mind. I don’t know the reason for his choice.

“It is the president who spends the money and I can only thank him for the interest, I respect his decision and this doesn’t change the opinion that I have about the club.

“If they’d call me again, I’d be ready to join the club.”

Given our total lack of cover at left-back, it would seem strange to some that we’d be willing to let him go, however it’s hard to see him finding a way back into Benitez’s plans – especially after being banished to the reserves over the past few months.

He said recently that he wants to fight for his place at Newcastle, but it feels like a permanent move away could be the best for all parties.

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About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

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