Report: Jamaal Lascelles is likely to stay at Newcastle beyond January

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Jamaal Lascelles will reportedly stay at Newcastle United beyond the January transfer window.

That is according to the Chronicle, who believe that the Magpies will only sell expendable players if they a good offer and the player is keen to leave.

Therefore, they expect the captain to stay at St James’ Park for at least the rest of the season. They believe that the same goes for Chris Wood, who Eddie Howe reportedly wants to keep.

In contrast, Ryan Fraser could go. It has been reported that he is frustrated by his lack of minutes at Newcastle right now, and is a target for Southampton and Brentford.

But while Fraser could go, Lascelles should remain. And that is despite a recent report that linked him with an exit in early 2023.

90min claimed last week that five Newcastle players could be made available, one of which was Lascelles. The other players listed were Fraser, Wood, Jamal Lewis and Matt Ritchie.

But the Chronicle’s update suggests that Lascelles is going nowhere – and that is the right decision.

Newcastle are right to keep Jamaal Lascelles

While Lascelles is not a regular starter for Newcastle anymore, he is still an important member of the squad. He is the captain, and leads by example behind the scenes.

The 28-year-old is obviously a key part of Howe’s leadership group, and the Toon boss recently heaped praise on Lascelles for the way he goes about his business.

“He has been and will be our leader,” Howe said at the start of November.

“He hasn’t been on the pitch as much as he probably would have liked but his status in the group, everyone looks to him as captain. His work-rate and training standards have been exemplary.”

His status within the group is why Newcastle are right to keep him. There is no real benefit in getting rid, as he would only have to be replaced. And would a replacement be able to fill the vocal void left by the towering defender?

Sure, Lascelles is not at the same level as the centre-backs who start at St James’ Park now. But he remains an important part of the group. He is respected as captain, not undermined by the arrival of Kieran Trippier who wears the armband in his absence.

With limited investment planned for January, selling Lascelles would be a mistake. A new centre-back would need to arrive – and it would be someone who is comfortable with being fourth choice.

That would be a difficult sell, but it appears to be a role that suits Lascelles at the moment. That is why we are right to keep him beyond the January transfer window.