Newcastle United player who has not kicked a ball all season could be offered new deal – journalist

Newcastle United’s hierarchy confronts a series of challenging contract decisions as the current campaign approaches its climax, with one surprising name potentially earning an unexpected reprieve.

While Fabian Schär’s imminent contract extension represents straightforward business, the futures of several other squad members remain shrouded in uncertainty – none more intriguing than club captain Jamaal Lascelles.

The Swiss defender Schär has rightfully earned his new deal through consistently excellent performances, with Eddie Howe confirming in his recent press conference that an announcement is forthcoming.

This logical move reduces Newcastle’s expiring contracts from six to five, though the remaining decisions present far greater complexity for the Magpies’ decision-makers.

At 33 years old and with an injury record that reads like a medical textbook, Callum Wilson faces an uphill battle to secure renewed terms. The striker’s undeniable quality when fit must be weighed against his alarming unavailability – a calculation that likely points towards an emotional departure.

Similarly, goalkeepers Mark Gillespie and John Ruddy find themselves in limbo, their futures contingent on Newcastle’s summer transfer activity between the posts.

The most fascinating case involves Lascelles, who hasn’t kicked a competitive ball this season following ACL surgery. While Sven Botman underwent similar procedures around the same time, the Dutchman managed some first-team involvement before further knee troubles emerged.

Howe’s admission that Lascelles won’t feature this season raises legitimate questions about his continued value to the squad.

Yet The Athletic’s Chris Waugh suggests the club may defy conventional wisdom by offering their captain fresh terms. This potential decision speaks volumes about the intangible qualities Lascelles brings to St James’ Park.

His leadership during Newcastle’s Carabao Cup triumph – jointly lifting the trophy with Bruno Guimarães and Kieran Trippier – demonstrated his enduring influence despite physical absence.

The financial implications of retaining an injury-plagued, aging center-back appear questionable at first glance. However, the psychological impact of maintaining continuity in the dressing room during a period of transition shouldn’t be underestimated.

Lascelles represents a living bridge between Newcastle’s turbulent past and their ambitious present – a figure who commands respect from both long-serving teammates and new arrivals alike.

This dilemma encapsulates modern football’s eternal conflict between cold pragmatism and emotional intelligence. While data analysts might highlight the wasted squad place, those inside the training ground could argue his presence helps maintain the cultural foundations Howe has painstakingly built.

The eventual decision will reveal much about Newcastle’s priorities as they balance spreadsheet management with squad harmony.

With Financial Fair Play considerations ever-present, every contract decision carries amplified significance. Retaining Lascelles would require careful calculation – does his off-field influence justify the expenditure when funds could be allocated to new signings? Alternatively, might a compromise emerge where he accepts reduced terms to continue his Newcastle journey?

As the season’s final chapters unfold, these contract sagas will develop alongside on-field matters. While Schär’s extension brings stability and Wilson’s probable departure signals evolution, Lascelles’ situation represents the most nuanced call of all.

In an era where leadership often takes a backseat to athletic metrics, Newcastle’s verdict will offer fascinating insight into how they value the unseen elements that contribute to success.

The coming weeks will determine whether sentiment can triumph over spreadsheet logic at St James’ Park, or if even club captains must bow to football’s relentless forward momentum. Either way, these decisions will shape not just Newcastle’s squad for next season, but the very character of Howe’s evolving project on Tyneside.