A new report suggests that Jamaal Lascelles has no future at Newcastle United beyond the 2023/24 season.
The Newcastle captain has struggled for minutes ever since Eddie Howe became manager, and has been a peripheral figure during the Magpies’ incredible campaign that ended with Champions League qualification.
Despite being fit for the majority of the campaign, Lascelles was limited to 11 appearances in all competitions. Only five of them were starts, two of which came in the Premier League.
His season was ended early by a calf problem, and now his future is up in the air heading into the summer transfer window. And a new report has suggested that he will definitely leave St James’ Park in the next 12 months.
No new Newcastle contract planned for Jamaal Lascelles
According to the Athletic, Newcastle have no plans to offer Lascelles a new contract. His current deal expires in the summer of 2024.
That means the 29-year-old could leave on a free next year, if the Magpies decide not to cash in ahead of next season.
It is a difficult situation for both the club and the player, especially with Newcastle looking to sign another centre-back ahead of their return to the Champions League.
The arrival of another central defender will only limit Lascelles’ minutes further, which is not what he needs at this point in his career. At his age, he should be at the peak of his powers. Instead, he is watching on from the bench week after week.
But Lascelles has not kicked up a fuss about his situation. Every Toon player and member of staff speaks highly of him – especially the way he has conducted himself behind the scenes.
Howe called him an ‘exceptional captain‘, and that is a massive compliment for a man who has barely played any football. Lascelles has still done his best to lead the group and uphold standards behind the scenes, and his attitude is commendable.
But with no new contract on the horizon, Newcastle and Lascelles need to decide whether to spend one more year together and go their separate ways for free next summer, or take the plunge and cash in now.
