A number of Newcastle United players have seen their careers transformed by Eddie Howe.
The Newcastle manager has yielded vast improvements out of many of the players he inherited from Steve Bruce back in 2021, with Joelinton and Miguel Almiron perhaps being the headline examples.
Sean Longstaff and Fabian Schar have also benefited, while Jamaal Lascelles cannot be ignored.
Largely replaced by Sven Botman last season, the Newcastle captain stepped up to great effect at times this time around after the Dutchman’s injury. A popular figure at the club it seems, teammate Dan Burn hailed him as an “unbelievable” presence.
Still, the defender is yet to agree a new contract and his current deal is set to expire this summer.
Now, it seems clubs are taking an interest.
Newcastle transfer news: Jamaal Lascelles latest
According to the Daily Mail, Turkish giants Besiktas are keen on a move for the 30-year-old.
With Botman back in the side, regular game time may be limited and the Istanbul giants are believed to have registered an interest.
Jamaal Lascelles: Big decision for Newcastle defender
Clearly rated by Howe, who stopped a press conference back in the summer to speak highly of the defender even despite his lack of game time, Lascelles has a big decision to make.
Should Newcastle eventually sign a new central defender as they had reportedly planned to during the summer, it’s certainly not out of the question that Lascelles would see his game time reduced even further.
At his age, even if he does still have a place in the squad, that may not be particularly appealing.
A move to a big club in Europe fighting for the Turkish league might be a better use of the rest of his time at the top level.
Whatever decision he reaches on his future, Lascelles has earned the right to make it. An excellent servant for Newcastle United.
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