From Championship to Champions League: Jamaal Lascelles’ Newcastle United Journey Comes to an End

Former Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles has brought the curtain down on a 12-year spell on Tyneside after completing a move to Leicester City.

By Liam Rafferty

The Foxes confirmed the signing of the English centre-back on a short-term deal, which will see him spend the remainder of the season at the King Power Stadium.

'Early days on Tyneside'

Lascelles arrived at Newcastle United in 2014 alongside goalkeeper Karl Darlow, with the pair signing from Nottingham Forest for a combined fee of £7 million under then-manager Alan Pardew.

Both players were immediately loaned back to Forest for the 2014–15 season, gaining valuable Championship experience.

Lascelles made his Newcastle debut the following campaign, featuring in a 4–1 League Cup victory over Northampton Town during the 2015–16 season.

First-team opportunities were initially limited.

His first Premier League start didn’t arrive until a 2–1 defeat against Watford on 23 January 2016.

Steve McClaren’s dismissal later that season paved the way for Rafael Benítez’s arrival - fresh from a brief spell at Real Madrid.

Lascelles’ influence began to grow under Benítez.

Despite Newcastle’s drop into the Championship, Benítez handed Lascelles the captain’s armband in the summer of 2016 following Fabricio Coloccini’s departure.

'Playing through pain'

The 2016–17 season proved pivotal.

Newcastle bounced straight back to the Premier League as Championship winners, with Lascelles a central figure in the side.

That success didn’t come easily.

The defender required a double hernia operation but played through pain for the final four months of the campaign - a testament to his commitment and leadership.

Lascelles remained a key presence as Newcastle re-established themselves in the Premier League under Benítez and later Steve Bruce.

'From survival battles to silverware'

The club’s fortunes changed dramatically following the takeover on 7 October 2021, with Eddie Howe soon appointed head coach.

Newcastle were deep in relegation trouble, prompting January signings such as Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn and Matt Targett.

As the squad evolved and strengthened, Lascelles’ role naturally diminished, but his influence never disappeared.

Newcastle’s remarkable rise culminated in qualification for the 2023–24 Champions League.

During an injury crisis, Lascelles captained the side against Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes, a match that ended 1–1 after a late and controversial PSG equaliser cancelled out Alexander Isak’s opener.

Although injury prevented him from featuring further in the competition, Lascelles was still front and centre at Wembley - lifting the Carabao Cup alongside Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimarães after Newcastle’s historic victory over Liverpool.

'A respected servant'

Lascelles departs St James’ Park having made 220 appearances for the club.

More than just a defender, he became a symbol of resilience during some of Newcastle’s toughest years.

It’s no surprise that many supporters believe his service deserves a testimonial - a fitting tribute to a player who gave everything for the black and white shirt.