Newcastle United are facing a delicate decision this January as Eddie Howe has openly admitted that Jamaal Lascelles could leave the club before the end of the transfer window. The long-serving defender, who remains Newcastle’s official club captain, is currently not involved with the first team and is training away from the main group as questions grow about his fitness and future at St James’ Park.
At 32, Lascelles has endured a difficult period marked by injury and long spells on the sidelines. He has not started a Premier League match since suffering a serious ACL injury in March 2024, an issue that disrupted his momentum and placed his career at a crossroads.
Although he has managed two substitute appearances this season, his absence from recent matchday squads has become more noticeable, especially as Newcastle have struggled defensively in recent weeks.
Howe has been clear that Lascelles is not currently fit enough to contribute at the level required, even though the situation is not as simple as carrying a fresh injury.
According to the Newcastle boss, the defender’s body has not responded well following his long recovery, and he does not yet feel physically capable of training with the squad on a consistent basis. That reality has led to the difficult decision to keep him away from first-team sessions for now.
This situation comes at a sensitive time, as Lascelles is entering the final six months of his contract. With no extension agreed and limited playing opportunities available, January suddenly becomes a realistic moment for both player and club to consider parting ways.
Howe has not hidden the fact that a departure is possible, acknowledging that circumstances may lead to a move if the right opportunity arises.
Despite the uncertainty, there is clear respect and appreciation for Lascelles inside the club. Howe spoke warmly about his influence behind the scenes, describing him as an incredible servant and a strong leader within the dressing room.
Those words underline just how important Lascelles has been to Newcastle’s journey over the past decade, even if his role on the pitch has diminished.
Since arriving from Nottingham Forest in 2014, Lascelles has been a constant presence during some of the club’s most turbulent years. He captained the side through relegation battles, Championship football, and the eventual return to the Premier League.
With 253 appearances to his name, he has featured more times than any other player currently at the club, a statistic that highlights his loyalty and durability over many seasons.
However, football moves quickly, and sentiment alone rarely shapes transfer decisions. Lascelles has previously attracted interest from clubs in Turkey, and it is widely expected that he will explore options away from Newcastle, if not this month then in the summer. There is also the growing sense that his last appearance for the Magpies may already be behind him, even if no formal decision has been made.
From Newcastle’s perspective, the situation requires careful handling. Injuries and fixture congestion have already stretched the squad, and allowing an experienced defender to leave mid-season carries obvious risks. At the same time, keeping a player who cannot train fully or compete for minutes does little to help either party. A clean break, whether now or at the end of the season, may ultimately be the most sensible outcome.
When asked about wider transfer plans, Howe offered little in the way of guarantees. He made it clear that the club are currently monitoring the situation rather than rushing into deals. With a packed schedule and several key games coming up, Newcastle want to assess how the squad copes before committing to any major moves. Howe suggested that both arrivals and departures remain possible, depending on form, fitness, and the needs of the team as January progresses.
Loans could also play a role, particularly for younger players who need regular minutes to continue their development. Howe hinted that some squad members may need to move temporarily to keep their progress on track, reinforcing the idea that this window is as much about balance as it is about reinforcements.
For Lascelles, the coming weeks are likely to be decisive. Whether he finds a new club this month or waits until the summer, his time at Newcastle appears to be nearing its conclusion. If that proves to be the case, he will leave with the respect of supporters who recognise his commitment, leadership, and resilience through some of the club’s most challenging periods.
As Newcastle continue to push forward under Howe, tough decisions like this are unavoidable. The focus remains on building a squad capable of competing at the highest level, even when that means saying goodbye to players who have given so much to the badge.
