Newcastle United defender Jamaal Lascelles has just penned a new long-term contract at St. James’ Park.
Newcastle United centre-back Jamaal Lascelles appears to have done a u-turn on Mike Ashley, after penning a new contract.
Lascelles put pen to paper on a new long-term deal at Newcastle yesterday, which has ended speculation over his future.
But he seemed far happier to back Ashley after signing the contract.
Before the deal, Lascelles seemed to intimate that Ashley should be doing everything in his power to keep Rafael Benitez happy.
The centre-back told the Shields Gazette: “I don’t know what is holding the club back, but we all know what we want as a players and as staff, and, for me, I’d make him the happiest man here if possible.”
However, after signing the new contract, Lascelles had some rather different advice for Newcastle’s fans.
“I think that everyone in Newcastle should stop the negativity and form unity instead,” he said to Sky Sports.
“As players, you’re on the pitch, and I’m not making excuses but when there are so many problems going around off the pitch, it will affect us.
“Personally, me speaking, I think it would be better if we came together, put all that bad energy into creating a positive, and trying to get us boys to get three points, because that’s what everyone wants.”
Lascelles has been one of Benitez’s most crucial players, and the news that he has committed his future at St. James’ Park can only be treated positively.
Lascelles looks certain to start in Newcastle’s next match, which comes at the weekend against Watford.
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