Rafa Benitez is not yet considering reintegrating left-back Achraf Lazaar into the first team squad despite his loan move to Genoa collapsing on Friday.
The Serie A club did not want a purchase clause to be included in the deal, and the impasse between the two clubs means the Moroccan international will be remaining with us for the time being.
However, Rafa is still hopeful that a deal could be done for the 26-year-old to leave. When asked if Lazaar could stay, the manager wasn’t particularly enthusiastic about the prospect. He was quoted by the Chronicle as saying:
“We will see. It is too early. The transfer windows are still open elsewhere.”
The deadline for transfers in Germany, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands is August 31st, but it must be said that nearly all of the interest that has been shown in the Moroccan has been from Italy.
With that avenue closed, the fullback looks odds-on to stay put, but despite the lack of left-back options, it seems apparent that Rafa is keen to offload him before the end of the month.