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While the English transfer window might be closed, Newcastle United could be put under pressure to hold onto club Captain Jamaal Lascelles. According to Teamtalk, Newcastle United are currently dealing with Saudi Pro League club Al-Shebab, who are looking to sign the Newcastle captain before their window ends on September 7th.
Jamaal Lascelles has been with Newcastle since his move from Nottingham Forest in 2014. Though, he only played five times last season for the Toon, and has made just one appearance off the bench this season. However, with Eddie Howe unable to replace Jamaal with the Premier League window now closed, it proposes a huge problem for the side. Jamaal has just one season left on his contract, and is on high wages. So, it might make sense for Howe to move him on to help with FFP, but with a busier schedule this season due to the Champions League it could be a huge risk for Newcastle.
Jamaal Lascelles Transfer – the details
Right now, what we know is Al-Shabab are looking to sign Jamaal Lascelles before their window shuts. The site is about to sign Yannick Carrasco from Athletico Madrid, but still has a need for defensive cover still. With Jamaal seemingly the fourth-choice centre-back at Newcastle United, despite his captain status, it might take a large offer to temp Newcastle into a sale.
Jamaal, However, could look to force a move, with his lack of game time at Newcastle in the past season. At 29 years old, Jamaal has a lot to offer and could find not only first-team football, but a chance at a huge end-of-career payout in the Saudi League. Jamaal is likely to leave on a free transfer next season regardless, with Newcastle unlikely to offer their captain a new contract.
It’s safe to say that Jamaal Lascelles’ time at Newcastle is entering its final year. Newcastle might look to cash in now, however, though the January window is going to look a long way off if they were to sustain another centre-back injury.
How much would Jamaal Lascelles cost
Jamaal Lascelles moved to Newcastle as part of a double-switch with fellow Nottingham Forest man Karl Darlow. Jamaal joined for just £5m back in 2014, and Newcastle would be lucky to get that much back. Plus, with Newcastle United’s links to the Saudi League via their owner the PIF, any move would be heavily criticised by other clubs. That said, Newcastle could play it smart and demand a higher fee due to the inability to replace Jamaal. That said, even £10m would be a stretch, and Newcastle are one injury at centre-back away from having to bring in youth players.
The other aspect of the deal is the FFP implications of the sale. Newcastle were allegedly stretched thin towards the end of the window. Eddie Howe stated that they would only move if an injury forced them. Sven Botman picked up a knock just before the window, but it looked like a minor problem. Newcastle would be left thin with just Dan Burn, currently playing at left-back as back-up to Schar and Botman. New summer signing Tino Livermento has played as centre-back in the past alongside Lewis Hall, who could also deputies in the role if required.
Regardless, it’s a deal worth keeping an eye on with the Saudi Pro League window closing this Thursday night. Should it go down to the wire, Eddie Howe has a big decision to make.
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