West Ham United appeared to be on the verge of signing Palermo left-back Achraf Lazaar last summer, before Newcastle United swooped in
It is a measure of just how poor West Ham’s recruitment was last summer that Arthur Masuaku has looked rather respectable by comparison. The former Olympiakos left-back has enjoyed a resurgence in recent weeks, his powerful bursts down the flank somewhat compensating for his error-strewn ways at the other end.
The Sun claimed in February that West Ham manager Slaven Bilic was ready to flog the £6million defender on a cut-price deal. Yet impressive recent performances against Everton, Stoke and Swansea suggest that Masuaku has earned himself a second chance at the London Stadium.
Meanwhile, Achraf Lazaar could only dream of such an opportunity. The Standard claimed that West Ham were closing in on a £2.5million deal for the Palermo left-back in the summer, only for Lazaar to be enticed by Benitez’s Rafalution at Newcastle United instead.
Could be worse
And although Masuaku has been far from convincing at times this season, at least Hammers fans can take solace in knowing that the 23-year-old clearly has potential. As it stands, Newcastle supporters remain none the wiser about Lazaar’s abilities.
Injuries have played their part but, even when fit, the Moroccan international has barely been given an opportunity with the Championship winners. Lazaar has made just four substitute league appearances this season, amounting to a grand total of 37 minutes.
And, according to The Chronicle, he has his heart set on leaving in the summer for fear of spending another season exiled from the starting XI.
Suddenly, Masuaku seems like a rather astute addition.
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