Newcastle United £2m flop linked with surprise return to Championship club

Former Newcastle United left-back Achraf Lazaar is linked with a surprise return to England.

The 19-time Morocco international was signed by Rafa Benitez in 2016 but suffered a nightmare four-and-a-half years at St James’ Park.

Arriving from Palmero for £2million, Lazaar made just 10 senior appearances in black and white, although did still pick up a Championship winners medal, despite featuring only four times.

He spent time on loan at Italian lower-league clubs Benevento and Cosenza as well as Sheffield Wednesday, and it’s the Owls who are reportedly considering a reunion.

Reports in Italy claim Lazaar, who is currently a free agent, has been put forward to the Hillsborough club, although the Sheffield Star understands a deal is unlikely.

The 31-year-old left the Magpies in February 2021 after agreeing to a mutual termination of his contract.

A week later, he signed a short-term deal with Watford but wasn’t retained following their promotion back to the Premier League. In the last two seasons, Lazaar has lined up for Portuguese side Portimonense and Italian club Novara.

Despite his struggles on Tyneside, Lazaar spoke of no regrets during an interview in 2020.

He said: “I’ve seen suggestions of Newcastle being a bad choice. I don’t know where it came from, it’s fake news. People are always talking about me and suggesting I’m saying bad things about Newcastle but I’ve never said that.

“I love Newcastle and if I chose Newcastle over Fiorentina in 2016, then that says it all for me. Newcastle still means something to me. People can talk or make me look bad.”