The January transfer window is famous for its late-night drama and sudden departures, and it appears Newcastle United is about to say goodbye to one of its most loyal servants.
As the clock ticks down toward the Monday night deadline, long-serving defender Jamaal Lascelles is reportedly closing in on an exit from St. James’ Park. While several players are expected to move on when their contracts expire in the summer of 2026, Lascelles seems to be the one player Eddie Howe is prepared to let go before this current window slams shut.
For over a decade, Lascelles has been a pillar of the club. He joined the Magpies back in the 2014/15 season from Nottingham Forest and has since seen the team through some of its most turbulent and triumphant times.
His leadership as captain was essential during the club’s transition under different ownerships and managers. However, the reality of top-flight football is often unsentimental.
This season, the 32-year-old has found himself largely on the periphery of the first team. With only 19 minutes of Premier League action under his belt and no appearances since September the writing has been on the wall for some time.
Despite his lack of recent game time, Lascelles remains a highly respected figure with a reputation for dependability and aerial strength. This has sparked a late-window scramble among clubs in the Championship who are desperate for defensive reinforcements and veteran leadership.
According to Sky Sports, as many as six clubs from the second tier have made inquiries about his availability. Among those leading the chase are Leicester City and Birmingham City. Leicester, in particular, is in the market for a seasoned center-back after allowing Wout Faes to head to Monaco on loan.
For a team pushing for promotion or stability, a player with Lascelles’ experience is an attractive “plug-and-play” option.
Eddie Howe confirmed the situation following Newcastle’s recent match, admitting that out of all the players currently in his squad, Lascelles is the most likely to depart before the 7:00 PM deadline on Monday.
With his contract set to expire this summer, it makes sense for both the player and the club to find a solution now. For Newcastle, it clears a bit of space on the wage bill; for Lascelles, it offers the chance to actually play competitive football during the final years of his career.
If he does finalize a move, it will mark the end of the longest current tenure of any player at the club. Over the last ten years, Lascelles has been more than just a defender; he has been the voice of the dressing room.
Even when he wasn’t starting games, his influence behind the scenes was frequently praised by Howe and his teammates. Losing that kind of character is always a risk, especially during a season where injuries have already stretched the squad to its limits.
However, with younger talents like Tino Livramento and Lewis Miley stepping up and establishing themselves, the club is clearly looking toward a new era.
The departure of Lascelles would follow a wider trend of the “old guard” moving on. With Fabian Schar dealing with a serious injury and rumors continuing to swirl around the futures of Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth, the Newcastle defense is undergoing a significant transformation.
While it is sad for fans to see a club legend leave through the back door in January, there is a sense that this move is best for everyone involved. Lascelles deserves to be starting matches, and the Championship provides a perfect stage for him to prove he still has plenty to offer.
