Florian Lejeune could leave Newcastle United on a permanent basis this summer with some at St James’ Park expressing doubts over his ability to thrive in the Premier League, as reported by The Athletic.
There’s certainly an argument to be made that the best centre-back in Steve Bruce’s squad didn’t even play for Newcastle in 2020/21.
While Federico Fernandez, Fabian Schar, Ciaran Clark and Paul Dummett were battling for a place in the Newcastle manager’s preferred back-three system, the forgotten Frenchman was doing his best to keep Alaves in La Liga.
And he succeeded too.
30-year-old Lejeune was the rock at the heart of an Alaves side that flirted with relegation throughout the campaign before avoiding the drop in heart-stopping style.
Even more importantly, he managed to avoid the kind of long-term injuries that have blighted his Newcastle career.
A one-time Manchester City player, Lejeune started just 16 games in his past two Premier League seasons in black and white.
And while many a Magpie has clamoured for his return to the first-team picture, it seems Newcastle see things differently.
Does Lejeune have a future at Newcastle?
There are concerns on Tyneside over whether Lejeune can survive in a league renowned for its relentless pace and physicality.
It’s no coincidence a man signed for £9 million following an impressive spell at Eibar looked far more comfortable when he returned to La Liga last summer, the stately pace of Spanish football suiting him down to the ground.
Lejeune has just 12 months left on his contract too and, with an extension unlikely at this stage, The Athletic suggests all parties would welcome a clean break and fresh start.
Whether Lejeune stays or goes, Newcastle are in the market for a new centre-back before the 31 August transfer deadline.
Bruce reportedly wants a technically gifted player capable of bringing the ball out from the back – someone like Kristoffer Ajer perhaps?
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