‘Newcastle could hand Callum Wilson and Jamaal Lascelles new contracts’
Newcastle United could be forced into surprise decisions over the futures of Callum Wilson and Jamaal Lascelles if they achieve Champions League qualification.
Last month, the Magpies ended their long wait for a trophy last month with victory over Liverpool in the League Cup final.
Newcastle are now aiming to become regular trophy-winners under manager Eddie Howe, and reaching the Champions League would help them to put together a squad capable of doing that.
In the short term though, it may also mean that two players who looked as though they were set to leave St James’ Park in the summer, could now be set to stay at the club beyond that point.
Callum Wilson and Jamaal Lascelles in line for new deals
As things stand, both Wilson and Lascelles are out of contract with the Magpies at the end of this season, meaning they are due to leave the club on a free transfer if things do not change.
It had previously been expected that Wilson will leave Newcastle in the summer when his deal at St James’ Park does come to an end.
There has been a similar with Lascelles and the Newcastle centre-back was even linked with Wolves earlier in the season.
Now though the pair could be in line for a surprise stay with the club if they qualify for the Champions League, as they look to manage the demands of those extra games.
| Newcastle next five games | Date |
| Leicester (A) | 07/04 |
| Man United (H) | 13/04 |
| Crystal Palace (H) | 16/04 |
| Aston Villa (A) | 19/04 |
| Ipswich (H) | 26/04 |
According to a report from The i, there will be expenses for the club to consider if they do secure a place in European football’s top competition.
It is stated that almost all of the squad have bonuses included in their contracts, and that Eddie Howe will need a bigger squad with those additions to the scheduled.
As a result, it is stated that there is a possibility Wilson and Lascelles will be handed short contract extensions by Newcastle if the club make it into Europe’s top competition.
Newcastle United contract update to underwhelm supporters
Football Insider Verdict
As things stand, Eddie Howe’s side are in a strong position to secure qualification for the Champions League this season.
If that leads to contract extensions for Wilson and Lascelles though, that is likely to cause some mixed feelings among the Newcastle fanbase at best.
Both players have done a good job for the Magpies throughout their time there, and so will there be some sadness behind their departures.
However, they each are approaching the latter stages of their careers and have been hampered by injuries in recent times.
There will therefore be questions about whether they would even be able to do the job that Howe and co. would from them at the level they would be playing at if they were to stay for next season.
Beyond that, Newcastle have been tipped to go big in the transfer market this summer after being freed from the restrictions of PSR.
With that in mind, keeping Lascelles and Wilson rather than signing alternatives to fill those roles may not generate a great deal of excitement among the fanbase.