Lawrence set to depart Anderlecht for loan move to 2. Bundesliga – reports
Wales centre-back James Lawrence is reportedly on the verge of leaving Anderlecht to link up with 2. Bundesliga outfit FC St. Pauli on loan.
The 27-year-old has been with the Purple and White since August 2018, but does not appear to be in the plans of new player-manager Vincent Kompany.
Lawrence – who qualifies for Wales through his grandmother – made his international debut in a friendly against Albania in November 2018, before making his first competitive appearance in the 1-0 win against Slovakia in March.
The former Arsenal youth product played 23 times in the Jupiler Pro League last season, as Anderlecht – who have won 34 league titles – finished a disappointing sixth.
Wales manager Ryan Giggs has expressed his concern about captain Ashley Williams’ match sharpness, with the 34-year-old left out of the squad for the next two games, and Lawrence being absent from the previous four league games won’t help the situation.
Williams, however, appears to be on the verge of joining Bristol City, and Lawrence’s impending move – which should ensure that he gets regular first-team football – should be something of a reassurance.
His prospective new club, who play in the second tier of German football, finished ninth in the league last term and have former Cardiff and Arsenal players Mats Møller Dæhli and Ryo Miyaichi on their books.
(Featured image: Pauli-Pirat)
