It was reported earlier in the week that Newcastle had begun talks to extend Jamaal Lascelles’ contract and The Telegraph now claim that the club are ‘close’ to announcing a new five-year deal for the club captain – the biggest sign yet that Benitez is planning for the long term at NUFC?
Several rumblings over the summer suggested Benitez was growing increasingly frustrated, with our disappointing deadline day in danger of being the final straw for a man who appeared to have been promised so much more.
Since then, results have improved on the pitch, providing a much needed lift and distraction from our transfer woes, and talk of Jamaal Lascelles’ imminent new five year deal has been described as the biggest sign yet that Benitez is still planning for the long term as manager of Newcastle United.
Not only is this a good sign for Benitez’s future at the club, it is also good to see us tie down one of our most promising young players on a long-term deal.
Lascelles had his critics last season, but his first class attitude, leadership and potential as a player can not be denied. A good move by the club and promising sign regarding the future of Benitez. It’s hardly the move of a man who knows his future lies elsewhere.