placeholder image
Getty Images
Jamaal Lascelles has left Newcastle United after 12 years with the club.
Lascelles joined from Nottingham Forest in 2014 and, after spending his first season back on loan at the City Ground, went on to make 253 appearances in black and white - the majority of which came as captain.
The 32-year-old was out of contract in the summer and had dropped down the pecking order at St James’ Park, having made just two substitute appearances since sustaining an ACL injury in March 2024.
Nevertheless, Lascelles remained a hugely popular figure in the dressing room following his journey from the Championship to the Champions League. That was underlined in March when Bruno Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier requested he lifted the Carabao Cup alongside them at Wembley.
Newcastle United confirm Jamaal Lascelles departure
Lascelles finalised his move to Leicester on deadline day but it wasn’t officially announced until after the window had closed. The Foxes have confirmed the defender has signed a contract until the end of the campaign.
“Defender Jamaal Lascelles has completed a permanent switch to Leicester City, bringing an end to an outstanding decade at St. James' Park,” a club statement read.
“The 32-year-old centre-back departs as one of the great leaders of the club's recent history, captaining the Magpies from the Championship to the Champions League during his 253 appearances.
“Jamaal initially signed from Nottingham Forest in summer 2014 alongside goalkeeper Karl Darlow, but immediately returned to the City Ground on loan for the following season.
“He began life at St. James' Park as a young defender on the periphery of the team but forced his way into regular selection during the second half of the 2015/16 campaign.
“Despite relegation, the defender's performances and leadership qualities made a big impression and Jamaal was appointed captain by then manager Rafa Benítez.
“He led United to the 2016/17 Championship title and helped secure the club's top-flight status as he established himself as a Premier League regular in the years that followed.
“Jamaal also played a key part in the club's recent success, notably captaining the side for the historic 4-1 Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain in October 2023.
“Injury ruled him out of action last season but he retained a valuable role within the first-team leadership group, underlined as he lifted the Carabao Cup trophy alongside Bruno Guimarães and Kieran Trippier at Wembley.
“Everybody at Newcastle United wishes Jamaal the very best of luck for the future and thanks him for his outstanding contribution to the club. He will always be welcome at St. James' Park.”
Eddie Howe pays tribute to Jamaal Lascelles after Newcastle United exit
Paying tribute to Lascelles, Eddie Howe said: “I think Jamal has been an incredible servant to the football club long before I came, as you say, captain at a really young age and some very difficult seasons for the football club. Some relegation battles where he really had to stand up and lead the group. Difficult circumstances.
“I think he did that with real integrity and class, a really strong person, a really strong leader, very vocal. And then talking about my time with him here, he had a time where he had to wait for his opportunity, but then ended up playing some unbelievable games for us, none more so than against PSG in the home game. And our Champions League journey, he was pivotal to that and produced some unbelievable performances, probably some of the best that I've seen him play.
“So, yeah, pay tribute to him and thank him for all his service, everything that he's given to the team and to his teammates and to the staff at the training ground. He's a real credit to himself.”
Continue Reading