Austrian defender Valentino Lazaro has revealed the likelihood of a lack of game time put paid to a return to Newcastle United, as reported by FC Inter 1908.
Lazaro joined the Magpies on loan from Inter Milan in January but started only four games. Lazaro, naturally a right-back, played in a variety of positions under Steve Bruce and his comments hint he would have been open to another loan spell at St James’ Park.
However, Lazaro has revealed Bruce told him he was unlikely to get considerable game time if he returned, which convinced the Austrian to look for a move elsewhere in the summer.
He said: “After the pandemic stopped they told me in England that, being a player on loan, they couldn’t play me a lot and from there on in I played less. That’s why I spoke to my agent and decided to look for a new loan.”
Lazaro joined Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach on a season-long loan this summer, although he has yet to play for them. The Austrian is injured with a torn muscle bundle, with no date pencilled in for his return.
Should Newcastle have re-signed Lazaro?
Lazaro is a great player on his day. The 24-year-old is hugely versatile and has shown he is capable of playing as a full-back, winger or even in central midfield. His presence would have given Bruce a number of options, but Newcastle have enough quality in their squad already.
The Magpies have three right-backs in their squad – Emil Krafth, DeAndre Yedlin and Javi Manquillo – all ahead of the Austrian in his natural position.
Lazaro’s versatility in attack is a good option but Ryan Fraser’s arrival this summer covered that area too.
Lazaro may be a quality player but Newcastle United and Bruce seem to have all bases covered already.
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