A number of Newcastle United supporters have been raging over Steve Bruce’s decision to allow Florian Lejeune to leave the club on loan in the summer, with Alaves reportedly interested in a permanent move.
Lejeune was an impressive performer for the Magpies during his first season at St James’ Park in 2017/18, with the defender averaging six clearances and 1.9 interceptions per game to help Newcastle keep five clean sheets in his 24 Premier League appearances (Sofascore). That led many Geordies to believe that the Frenchman was their most influential defender.
However, the defender suffered back-to-back cruciate knee ligament injuries which saw him miss out on most of the 2018/19 campaign. Last season he was unable to force his way into Steve Bruce’s starting line-up after coming back to fitness, making just four starts and six league appearances in all (Sofascore).
The Frenchman is entering the final year of his current £38,000-a-week deal at Newcastle and Bruce decided it would be better for him to go out on loan and get regular minutes this term, per Chronicle Live. It has now been suggested by La Liga Lowdown writer Andrew Miller that Alaves could look to sign him on a permanent deal in the summer if they survive the drop this term, per Chronicle Live.
Newcastle fans debate Lejeune’s situation
Many Newcastle fans were keen to point out that the defender should not have been loaned out by Bruce, believing he was their best and most technically gifted centre-back.
Our best defender was for some reason loaned out… fantastic planning by our head coach
— Chris Cossey (@Cosseycj) November 24, 2020
Mental to think he was our best defender under Rafa and Longstaff was our best centre mid (certainly in the last few months). So depressing to see how things have turned out for players we should have been building the team around.
— Outofhand32 (@Outofhand32) November 24, 2020
the best ball playing centre-back we have. Criminal to let him go
— Harky (@HowayHarky) November 24, 2020
Another one bites the dust
— Graeme Smith (@smithyg07) November 24, 2020
He’s honestly our best defender (when fit, which he now is) and we loaned him out 🤷🏼♂️ https://t.co/N2QQ37y7FS
— Anthony Bilton (@bobobilton) November 24, 2020
Because he is a top centre half, and the best centre half we had. This is no fluke he's very very good. https://t.co/g9AOQLjMQ4
— Rossalexander (@RosssAlex10) November 24, 2020
Should never have been loaned out
— Simon ⚫️⚪️ (@tashhqx) November 24, 2020
