As Florian Lejeune reportedly prepares to join Newcastle United, Ciaran Clark should still remain in the reckoning for a first team place under Rafa Benitez.
Ciaran Clark was long touted as an exciting prospect at Aston Villa, but he failed to fulfil that promise before departing for Newcastle United last summer.
Both sides had just been relegated and it looked like a sideways step for Clark, while many wondered if Rafa Benitez would be able to offer the struggling Republic of Ireland international regular game time.
But the 27-year-old has thrived at St James’ Park, quickly establishing himself as Newcastle’s first-choice centre-back and impressing as his new club won the Championship title.
Clark’s performances were certainly worthy of earning another shot at the Premier League, but Benitez’s rumoured transfer dealings suggest the former Villa man may struggle.
Florian Lejeune is expected to seal a move to Newcastle this week, according to the Northern Echo, and he will put pressure on Jamaal Lascelles, Chancel Mbemba and Clark.
With Lascelles the club captain and Lejeune an established performer in La Liga, Clark – along with Mbemba – could become the odd man out.
But he should not be made to pay for his previous Premier League displays. Having excelled beyond expectation in the Championship, there is no reason Clark could not do the same again.
He deserves a chance, at least. It is Lejeune who must prove himself on Tyneside.
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