The player Eddie Howe wants to keep at Newcastle United, whose contract expires in 2024

 

At the completion of the current campaign, Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles’ contract expires.
As Jamaal Lascelles enters the final six months of his contract, Eddie Howe thinks the defender has a long future at Newcastle United.

The captain of the Magpies played in just 11 games last season, only five of which were starts. However, with Sven Botman out of the picture, he has been back in the lineup more frequently recently.

Lascelles has actually had his greatest run in the starting lineup for more than a year and a half; he has made 20 appearances so far this season, which is one more than he did from February 2022 to September 2023.

The 30-year-old, who joined Newcastle from Nottingham Forest, is currently in his eighth season as a professional. Almost 250 appearances total, most of which were made as club captain, have been made by Lascelles.

Howe is eager for Lascelles to stay longer even if his contract expires this summer.

“Jamaal has done really, really well this season, I think his game has come on in lots of different ways,” added Howe. “To start with, he has always been really strong aerially, as demonstrated in the most recent match against Fulham.

“I believe he has had a very excellent defensive comprehension of our expectations since day one. His ball handling has improved, he currently exudes confidence in the team and is playing some excellent football.

“About the contract talks with Jamaal, I’m not sure. Though I’m having trouble understanding where his contract is at the moment, I am confident that he will be a part of our long-term plans.”

Before last month’s 3-0 victory over Fulham, United supporters Wor Flags raised a banner that said, “Championship to Champions League,” a phrase that encapsulates Lascelles’ journey on Tyneside.

It was just one day before Lascelles led Newcastle against AC Milan on Wednesday.

When Lascelles was recently questioned about his future, he stated that he loved living at St. James’ Park but he did not clarify if a new contract was imminent.Lascelles declared to Premier League Productions, “I really adore it here.” “As captain, I’ve been here for a good amount of time—I believe eight years. Not many players actually stay here as long as I have. I adore it.

“I feel pretty fantastic now that I’m on the team and have been playing a lot of games. I’m just trying to do the best I can, but we’ll see.”