Newcastle United transfers: Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and co have reacted to Jamaal Lascelles’ departure to join Leicester City.
Newcastle United ended the winter transfer window having agreed just one major deal - and it was an exit.
Defender Jamaal Lascelles joined Leicester City on deadline day, ending a 12-year association with Newcastle.
The 32-year-old made the majority of his 253 appearances for The Magpies as captain, leading the club from the Championship to the Champions League. Lascelles notably led the side out for one of the club’s most iconic wins at St James’ Park in the modern era as Newcastle beat Paris Saint-Germain 4-1 in the Champions League.
Despite not featuring last season due to injury, he was present at Wembley Stadium to lift the Carabao Cup alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier following the 2-1 win over Liverpool.
But after returning from injury to no real first-team opportunities, a decision was made to allow Lascelles to leave in the winter transfer window.
The Gazette has launched a new WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone.Simply click this linkto join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.
Eddie Howe reacts to Jamaal Lascelles’ departure
Ahead of the transfer being officially announced, Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe thanked Lascelles for his service to Newcastle over the years.
“Jamaal 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,” Howe said. “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.
“In 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.”
Jamaal Lascelles reacts to Leicester City transfer
Speaking about joining Leicester City, Lascelles said: “It’s very exciting [to join Leicester]. I’ve been at Newcastle for a long time, since I was 21. It’s not often that players stay at clubs for that long. I had some great memories there.
“I’ve seen the ups, the downs. It’s a great set-up there, but I’m here and it’s a new chapter. I can’t wait to get started. Like I said, I want to win games, I want to get back to playing football and enjoying playing games, helping out as much as I can.”
NUFC stars react to Jamaal Lascelles’ departure
Lascelles’ popularity and influence behind the scenes was evident by the reaction of the Newcastle players to his departure.
Among the first to react to the announcement was Lascelles’ successor as Newcastle captain, Bruno Guimaraes, who wrote on Instagram: “What a player. What a guy. Thankyou for everything skipper! All the best mate.”
Newcastle vice captain Kieran Trippier shared an image of himself playing alongside Lascelles with the caption: “Good luck bro.”
Anthony Gordon wrote: “Thank you skip for everything. A top leader and great person. All the best.”
Sandro Tonali simply reacted with a heart and crying emoji.
Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali reacts to Jamaal Lascelles' deaprture.placeholder image
Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali reacts to Jamaal Lascelles' deaprture. | Instagram
Even summer arrival Aaron Ramsdale, who never shared a pitch with Lascelles in a competitive match, commented: “Wish I had longer with you skip! Been a pleader nevertheless. Go smash it bro.”
Fellow goalkeeper John Ruddy said: “A true leader of men. All the best skip!”
Fabian Schar experienced many of the highs and lows at Newcastle alongside Lascelles, and now stands as the club’s leading appearance holder following the defender’s departure.
The Swiss centre-back wrote on Instagram: “Incredible @nufc career mate. You’ll be missed around here. All the best at your new club.”
Another long-serving player, Jacob Murphy, commented: “ Unbelievable contribution for our club. Lead us through it all. A true leader. Go well skippy.”
Emil Krafth, one of the remaining players from both sides of the takeover, posted: “Been a pleasure sharing the pitch with you, we gonna miss you bro.”
Even former Newcastle players reacted with Paul Dummett sharing Newcastle’s post with the comment: “Captain, leader legend. All the best skip.”
Shay Given, whose spell at Newcastle pre-dated Lascelles’, said: “Best of luck Jamaal.”
The overwhelmingly heartfelt reaction to Lascelles’ departure from Newcastle is testament to his impact on and off the pitch during his time on Tyneside.
Continue Reading