On Thursday, Newcastle announced the termination of Achraaf Lazaar‘s contract with the club, and many Toon fans have been reacting to the news on social media.
? #NUFC can confirm that Achraf Lazaar has left the club after mutually agreeing to end his contract.
Best of luck for the future, @LazaarAchraf.
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) February 4, 2021
The 29-year-old is now free to find another club after making just 10 appearances for the Magpies’ first team in five years on Tyneside.
With Sheffield Wednesday -one of Lazaar’s three loan clubs during his time with Newcastle – reportedly interested in the versatile left-sided player, he may not be waiting too long for a new employer.
The 18-cap Morocco international didn’t come close to Steve Bruce’s plans this season, making just two under-23 appearances and one in the EFL Trophy for the Magpies’ reserve side (Transfermarkt).
Singed during Rafa Benitez‘s reign at St James’ Park, Lazaar cost a reported £2m in 2016 and will go down as a strange Newcastle signing. Indeed, one unforgiving Geordie described the transfer as “the most pointless signing in our history”, given the 29-year-old’s sporadic game-time.
Judging by the reaction of these Toon Army members on Twitter, the Moroccan won’t be sorely missed:
Twitter: @NUFC @LazaarAchraf Good luck @LazaarAchraf didn’t even get a chance to prove himself in the toon shirt when he cle… https://t.co/3FA1cHb6rd (@mc_chug)
Twitter: @NUFC @LazaarAchraf all the best pal unfortunate it didn’t work out (@LoveACorner)
Twitter: @NUFC @LazaarAchraf A footballers career is very short. How much of his has he wasted here?
(@neilTheMagpie)
Twitter: @NUFC @LazaarAchraf The most pointless signing in our history (@SteffanLloydO)
Twitter: @NUFC @LazaarAchraf About time like, good luck for the future @LazaarAchraf (@melmarsh97)
Twitter: @NUFC @LazaarAchraf Thanks for coming, Achraf. (@jonnyh267)
