The Northern Echo are reporting that Achraf Lazaar and Rolando Aarons have both REJECTED pay-offs in order to leave Newcastle United this summer.
This would give them a lump sum and allow them to walk away from the club for free – handing them the perfect chance to land much needed new clubs – however it’s been revealed that both turned down our offer.
Neither of the duo have played since December 2017 when Aarons made a late substitute appearance in our 1-0 defeat to Man City, with Lazaar not playing at all since the Championship campaign – making the argument that they are fighting for a starting place none-existent.
The duo have been shipped out on loan to clubs across Italy, Scotland and even the Czech Republic in recent years, but with nobody seeming willing to pay a fee and sign them permanently, it seems we tried to pay them off in a bid to get both of our books once and for all.
The biggest disappointment of the two is former England U20 international Aarons, who was one of the brightest prospects out of our academy in recent years and had even drawn comparisons with Man City star Raheem Sterling.
Fitness problems and a series of off-field issues have hampered his progress and the fact he seems willing to sit on the sidelines and pick up a healthy wage rather than better his career elsewhere makes you question if his football career isn’t a top priority for him at this moment in time.
In Lazaar’s case, he will be remembered as arguably Rafa Benitez’s worst and most baffling signing during his three-and-a-half year tenure.
Newcastle fans were worried about only having one fit left-back in the form of Paul Dummett before the signing of Jamal Lewis – and that alone should tell you all you need to know about how poor of a player Lazaar must actually be.
Thankfully, if neither player can be moved on, this is the last season in which they can drain our resources and receive a hefty weekly wage from the sidelines.
Bruce this morning named Aarons and Lazaar in a five-man list of players he wishes to move on – with Muto, Atsu and Saviet set to join them on the St James’ Park scrapheap.
Hopefully both can find buyers or at least be loaned out before they leave on a free next summer!
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Tell them to find a club, get the best deal they can be hen make up their wage for 12 months.
They won’t go if their contract pays more than what they’re offered in a pay off. Would you? This is likely the biggest £££ they’re ever likely to get. 1 year here could be 3/5 years elsewhere.
Davy Scott(Quote)