Jamaal Lascelles could complete shock Newcastle exit in next 24 hours

The rhythm of the football season is often dictated by the opening and closing of transfer windows, but for some players, the opportunity for a move doesn’t always end when the Premier League’s deadline passes.

While English clubs can no longer bring in new players, several major leagues across Europe and beyond are still active in the market, creating a final chance for deals to be done.

This has led to a surprising late twist in the career of a loyal Newcastle United servant, Jamaal Lascelles.

According to reports, the experienced defender has emerged as a target for Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor, with their transfer window set to close on Friday, September 12th.

This development places Lascelles at the center of a potential whirlwind 24 hours, as the club and player weigh up a decision that could bring a sudden end to his long association with Tyneside.

This isn’t the first time he has attracted interest from Turkey, with Besiktas having shown admiration for him last year, but the circumstances now are markedly different.

Several factors make a move increasingly plausible. Most significantly, Lascelles has entered the final year of his contract at Newcastle.

For the club, this represents the last realistic opportunity to receive a transfer fee for a player who has been a fantastic servant, rather than risk losing him for free next summer.

Furthermore, his position within the squad has become increasingly peripheral. The devastating ACL injury he suffered last season was a major setback, and during his recovery, the landscape of the defense changed.

The summer signing of Malick Thiaw from AC Milan pushed Lascelles down to fifth choice in the central defensive pecking order, behind Sven Botman, Fabian Schär, Dan Burn, and the new arrival.

This was further emphasized when he was omitted from the club’s 25-man Champions League squad for the group stages, a clear signal that his opportunities for first-team football will be extremely limited this season.

For a player of Lascelles’ stature and professionalism, this is a difficult situation. To many around the club, he remains the symbolic ‘club captain,’ a respected leader and a influential voice in the dressing room.

However, at 31 years old, the desire to play regular football is understandably strong. He hasn’t featured in a competitive match since a 4-3 win over West Ham in March, and the prospect of spending a final productive year on the sidelines may not appeal.

A move to a club like Trabzonspor offers a compelling alternative: the chance to be a key player in a competitive league, experience a new culture, and potentially extend his playing career at a high level.

For Newcastle, it would be a pragmatic decision, allowing them to gain a fee for a squad player while freeing up space and resources.

It would be a bittersweet ending, but sometimes the right decision for all parties is the one that involves saying goodbye.