UMVA has learned that Jamaal Lascelles, the former Newcastle United club captain, is poised to leave Leicester City in a massive exodus of high-profile players following the Foxes' relegation to League One.
The swift and brutal end to Lascelles' short-lived tenure at the King Power Stadium has left him searching for a new chapter, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season. His stay in the East Midlands was cut short after the club decided on a total reset of their playing staff.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Leicester City announced the departure of ten senior players, including Lascelles, upon the expiration of their contracts this summer. The list of departing players includes captain Ricardo Pereira, strikers Patson Daka and Jordan Ayew, and Academy graduate Wanya Marçal.
Lascelles, who spent 12 years at Newcastle United and famously captained the Magpies to a Championship title, had barely settled into life with the Foxes after his emotional January departure from Tyneside. The experienced center-back suddenly finds himself back on the market, with his extensive experience anchoring a Premier League backline ensuring he won’t be short of suitors.
At 32, Lascelles still possesses plenty of leadership value and top-flight pedigree, making him an attractive prospect for clubs looking to snap up proven defensive leadership on a free transfer this summer. A free transfer offers Lascelles an immediate opportunity to regroup and start anew.
The departure of Lascelles and his teammates comes as part of a massive squad clear-out by the Foxes, with the club noting that veteran goalkeeper Asmir Begović’s contract is similarly ticking down, but he remains in discussions about extending his stay at King Power Stadium.
