Newcastle United have confirmed that Florian Lejeune has completed a move back to Alaves.
The 30-year-old spent last season on loan with the La Liga side, but has now joined the Spaniards on a permanent deal, signing a three-year deal.
Further details of the deal aren’t revealed in the club’s official statement, with us describing it as an ‘undisclosed fee’ for the Frenchman.
Lejeune was entering the final 12 months of his contract at St James’ Park and was clearly not in Steve Bruce’s plans, meaning a permanent exit appears to suit all parties – even if some still had him down as our most talented defender when fit!
Here’s confirmation from his new club Alaves, followed by NUFC’s official statement:
Florian Lejeune has completed a permanent move to Alavés – where he spent last season on loan – for an undisclosed fee.
The 30-year-old Frenchman joined the Magpies from Eibar in the summer of 2016 and made 24 appearances as United finished tenth in the Premier League.
Unfortunately, the 2017/18 campaign saw him suffer two anterior cruciate ligament injuries but he recovered to score his first two goals for the club in a stunning comeback at Everton in January 2020, before heading to La Liga with Los Babazorros on a temporary basis last term.
Lejeune made 46 appearances in all competitions for Newcastle. Everybody at the club wishes him well for the future.
It’s a shame to see him leave after he looked such a class act under Rafa Benitez, however it seems bad injuries and Steve Bruce has put pay to what could have been a successful stint at St James’ Park.
That said, it remains frustrating that he wasn’t given a second chance this summer – especially when we’re in the market for another centre-back on such a limited budget.
Good luck, Florian!
Good luck lad.
Had a short run where he looked like he could have been the main stay in our defence – but once injury struck it felt like he never got fully fit again.
Right to move him on and if he was happy at Alves then it’s a good move for all.
Sharpy17(Quote)