Newcastle trigger hidden deal - but 12-month move won't impact transfer plans

Ahead of an interesting summer for Newcastle in terms of contract renewals, extensions and endings, rumours are circulating that the club is going to offer one of its longest-serving players with an extension on his deal.

The deal isn’t said to affect the club’s plans for the upcoming transfer window, however, whether that be our PSR situation or shifting focus to other areas within the team.

Squad depth will be essential for all four competitions that the Magpies will find themselves in next season, with this coming after a new deal was confirmed for Fabian Schar last week.

Hidden extension for another defender

It's emerged that Jamaal Lascelles was handed an unannounced contract extension last year, meaning he is on course to stay until the end of the 2025/26 season, NOT leave as a free transfer this summer.

According to a report from The Athletic’s Chris Waugh, it’s the club who has triggered the extension, suggesting Lascelles could yet stick around next season and continue his ‘leadership’ role within the dressing room.

Sean Longstaff's contract was dealt with in similar fashion, as the club extended his deal until 2026 to protect his value ahead of a likely summer sale.

For Lascelles, it seems he's likely to stay in a squad role, although Waugh insists that our plan to sign a new, young right-sided centre-back remains a 'priority.'

The right move?

Even though Lascelles has been ruled out through injury since March 2024, after rupturing his ACL during the 4-3 win over West Ham, it had looked like the defender’s days in a black and white shirt were truly numbered.

But alongside the likes of Mark Gillespie, John Ruddy and Paul Dummett in recent times, Lascelles is clearly an individual viewed by Eddie Howe as absolutely fundamental to squad harmony, with the leadership skills and attitude in training valued hugely behind the scenes.

The emotional scenes at the end of the Carabao Cup final, where Bruno Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier called Lascelles over to hoist the trophy shows just how important the 31-year-old is to the squad on and  off the pitch.

Reflecting on the moment, the gaffer even said “He’s got a big presence, and I’m delighted that he got to lift the cup with the other guys. He deserved that moment for the length of time he’s been here and the service he’s given the club.”

What does this mean for transfers?

The club has already extended the contracts of right-sided defenders Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth, so Lascelles staying may be a slight surprise when we still intend to bring in another centre-back.

As Waugh points out, our direction in the summer transfer window remains unchanged, and a right sided central defender remains high on the priority list.

Now that five Champions League spots have officially been confirmed for Premier League teams next season, Howe will need to manage his squad’s minutes to perfection in order to avoid a repeat of the 23/24 campaign in terms of injury and fatigue.

Retaining Lascelles as a solid option for closing out Premier League games or starting in the domestic cups will be a welcome sight to see, providing he does overcome that ACL issue and is happy staying as third or fourth choice.