Newcastle may have to do u-turn and sell ‘excellent’ player who’s very well liked

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United may need to rebuild this summer.

A big summer at the club has been predicted, albeit lingering FFP issues may make things difficult.

Indeed, Eddie Howe has already suggested it will be “almost impossible” to completely revamp the Newcastle squad, one who have struggled to maintain any kind of consistency amid a rampant injury crisis.

As a result, difficult decisions may have to be made. Bruno Guimaraes, after all, has been tipped as the player the club will sell to make headway on the FFP front and few would doubt that would be a huge blow for the club.

While Jamaal Lascelles may not elicit such feelings, it seems something of a U-turn could be made on the defender.

The club captain, hailed as “excellent” Howe has stepped up at times given the absence of Sven Botman. Following the Dutchman’s recent injury, he will surely be called upon again, until the end of the season at least.

Lascelles only signed a new contract recently but the situation may have changed since.

Newcastle transfer news: Jamaal Lascelles could be sold this summer

That’s because Ben Jacobs has hinted to GIVEMESPORT that the club’s hand could be forced.

Lascelles is reportedly “well-liked” behind the scenes and Jacobs has dismissed the prospect of the club recently extending his deal only to sell him but hints that a lowly Premier League finish could force their hand.

“I think Newcastle will be looking at outgoings in the summer,” he said.

“Lascelles is very well-liked and offers leadership off the field as well, so I don’t think they’ve renewed his contract only to sell him.

“But, depending on where Newcastle finish in the Premier League, I think their hand may be forced a little bit, so they will be open to offers.”

Jamaal Lascelles transfer: A potential blow for Newcastle

Had everything gone to plan this season, it’s difficult to imagine that Lascelles would have played such a prominent role.

Still, he’s performed well at times and Howe has constantly spoken of his admiration of the player. To extend his contract and then having to sell him due to a poor season for the club as a whole is hardly ideal.

While moving a player over 30 on might make financial sense, Newcastle aren’t blessed with options at the back and will obviously be without Botman for a significant period of time. Unless they sign players to replace Botman and Lascelles, the lack of numbers defensively will remain.

If he does go, however, Lascelles can leave with his head held high. An important figure during the Rafa Benitez years, he’s more than played his part.