A number of Newcastle United supporters have urged the Magpies to consider bringing Florian Lejeune back into the first team squad next season when he returns from his loan spell at Alaves.
The 29-year-old was sent out on loan by Steve Bruce in the summer to La Liga after the Frenchman had fallen down the pecking order at St James’ Park. It is thought that the defender was keen to fight for his place in the side, but in the end the Magpies thought it would be better for Lejeune to get regular game-time elsewhere, per Chronicle Live.
Lejeune has endured an injury-hit spell at St James’ Park, with lengthy cruciate ligament and knee injuries limiting him to just 18 Premier League appearances during the last two full seasons for Newcastle. The 29-year-old had made an impression in Rafa Benitez’s final season with the Magpies, averaging six clearances and 1.9 interceptions per game in 24 appearances (Sofascore).
The Frenchman has got off to a strong start to his loan spell with Alaves, helping them to accumulate three clean sheets in his first seven appearances. That has seen him average 1.6 tackles and 2.9 clearances per game so far this term (Sofascore). He admitted to Chronicle Live that he is not sure where he will be playing his football next term when his £38,000-a-week Newcastle deal comes to an end.
Newcastle fans urge Magpies to bring back Lejeune in the summer
Many Newcastle supporters have urged Bruce to bring the defender back into the team at the end of his loan spell with Alaves. Some fans pointed out that the Frenchman was arguably their best defender when he was fully fit and they want to see him given another chance.
Don’t understand why our best defender was loaned out, confusing decision made by Bruce, given he had bad injuries, but he was back fully fit
— Chris Cossey (@Cosseycj) November 4, 2020
https://twitter.com/victorbates/status/1323980992730689537?s=19
Of course,put it this way it’ll cost 15/20 million to replace him like for like
— michael forster ? (@foschops) November 4, 2020
I personally think when fit he is our best CB.
— Stuart (@chaiki31) November 4, 2020
Without a doubt.. Yes ?
— Moutaz Jaafar (@JMoutaz) November 4, 2020
As long as he's continuing to do well
— Sam Smith (@SamSmit04952115) November 4, 2020
https://twitter.com/VaheedAkhtar/status/1323962663832068102?s=19
