OPINION
While Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez might have worked wonders with transforming an average looking side into a top ten finisher in the Premier League, there are a couple of questions which must be asked about his business in the transfer window.
Working on a tight budget under Mike Ashley, the Spaniard has had to try and source quality talent for a cheap price, and it has not worked as intended every time.
Take Achraf Lazaar for example – a Moroccan international with experience in Italy’s top flight, the 26-year-old has endured a nightmare career on Tyneside and the sooner it is over, the better for both player and club.
He has manager just 10 appearances and found himself shipped out on loan to Benevento last season, where he was completely exiled from the first team for the second half of the campaign, being left unable to play.
It is why, with renowned journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claiming that Genoa are keen on taking the left back from St James’ Park as a replacement for Diego Laxalt, it is a no-brainer that Newcastle snap their hand off if a bid comes in.
He simply has no part to play this season, even with just one other senior left back option in Paul Dummett, and he must end his horror-show of his time in the north east of England as soon as possible.
For Newcastle, any sort of fee for his exit is a bonus, and while it might not help now, it gives Benitez some sort of funds to work with come January.
Lazaar’s exit is a must, and a return to Italy should help him get his wayward career back on track.