Newcastle United’s summer transfer ‘priority’ revealed after Jamaal Lascelles contract revelation

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There has been a twist regarding Jamaal Lascelles’ Newcastle United future.

It had been likely that Jamaal Lascelles would leave Newcastle United this summer, as it had been believed that his Toon contract was due to expire at the end of the season.

There were even fears that Lascelles may never play for Newcastle again, as he continues his recovery from an ACL injury he suffered 12 months ago.

Jamaal Lascelles’ Newcastle United contract situation

However, the defender’s situation at St James’ Park has changed.

According to the Athletic, Lascelles actually has a contract with Newcastle United until 2026 rather than 2025.

That means that he is not on course to become a free agent at the end of the 2024/25 season.

The Athletic add that Lascelles signed an extension with the club last year, but it was not formally announced.

Newcastle United’s summer centre-back plan

With Lascelles’ immediate future no longer a concern and Emil Krafth and Fabian Schar signing contract extensions, the Magpies’ defensive options suddenly look a lot healthier for the 2025/26 season.

However, the club still want to be even stronger in that department.

Despite the Lascelles contract revelation, the Athletic report that it is still Newcastle’s ‘priority’ to sign a right-sided centre-back when the summer transfer window opens.

It is a position that the club have attempted to address during the previous two windows, with Newcastle trying and failing to sign Marc Guehi and Abdukodir Khusanov.

Despite retaining the services of Schar and Lascelles, it is vital that someone younger arrives. Eddie Howe must look towards the club’s future, as Schar is 33-years-old and Lascelles is 31-years-old.

While signing a centre-back is a priority, it remains to be seen who the Magpies will identify as their number one target.

Newcastle want Dean Huijsen, but face a lot of competition for his signature. Illia Zabarnyi is also a Newcastle target, while it will not be a surprise if they reignite their interest in Guehi given his contract situation at Crystal Palace.