NUFC skipper Jamaal Lascelles has delivered an emphatic response to rumours linking him with a big-money move to Liverpool, stating that he’s never been happier at NUFC – confirming his intentions to stay at St James’ Park this summer.
The likes of Chelsea, Spurs, Everton and West Ham have all been credited with interest in the 24-year-old over the past few months after his superb first full season in the Premier League, however the Independent claimed yesterday that Jurgen Klopp has identified him as one of their ‘top targets’ in a bid to bolster their defence for next season.
It was worrying to hear, with Liverpool being a potentially attractive proposition (a club that could be crowned European champions in a few days time) and someone who aren’t shy when it comes to spending big on centre-backs (£75m for Van Dijk), but Lascelles has poured cold water on those rumours today.
In a brilliant message to NUFC fans, here’s the the skipper has had to say when addressing his future at the club today:
“This is the happiest I’ve been. I’m playing week in, week out, and I’m the captain here.
“The fans love me. I’ve got a good relationship with them, because I love them. And we’re doing well, too.
“I’m very happy here. You hear things – you hear rumours and stuff – but I’m a young player, and I need to be playing football at a good club – and that’s what this is.
“This is the right club for me at the right time. We have a huge fanbase, an amazing manager, and this club is massive. It has so much history.
“As captain, I want to see how far we can go – and potentially take it back to where it belongs.”
I don’t know how many times I’ve said this about Lascelles but, yet again, this EXACTLY what you want to hear from your captain.
He’s spot on too. This is the right club for him right now. He’s playing every week, developing his game under a world-class manager in Rafa and is the heartbeat behind Benitez’s project at NUFC.
Unless a ridiculous offer comes in this summer and the club push him out the door (Andy Carroll style), his comments here practically confirm he’ll be a Newcastle player next season.
Brilliant news and some refreshing words from our captain – a man who sounds totally committed to the cause.
