Jamaal Lascelles has opened up on his struggle to find a club for the 2026/27 season after leaving Leicester City last season. The summer transfer window came and went with Lascelles still on the free agent list, with the former Newcastle and Nottingham Forest star still keen to get back into the game at the top level.
Regret over rushed Newcastle exit
Lascelles left Newcastle last February, with the club captain not staging any farewell interviews or posting anything on social media, something he admits he regrets. Now he would love to return to Tyneside in some form to put a final stop on what was more than a decade of ups and downs on Tyneside after his £3.5million move from Forest in 2014.
Lascelles told Sky Sports: "I absolutely loved Newcastle. I was there since I was 21, seen everything - different managers, relegation and promotions, seen people come and go."
"It was really difficult to go. I have been meaning to go back and say a proper goodbye because it was rushed. More so to the fans - I am not on social media so I would love to go back and say goodbye to the fans."
"I can't thank them enough. They were so supportive. They are very passionate, and they will tell you about yourself, which I can think is healthy."
Free agent uncertainty
When asked about his position on the free transfer list, Lascelles admitted it was a strange feeling to be unattached. Lascelles' last game for Newcastle was a cameo role against Arsenal when Gabriel popped up with a cruel 90th minute winner as the Gunners netted twice in the closing stages.
The defender left for Leicester City in February but only made nine appearances, including seven starts, and was unable to stop them from sliding into League One as their fall from grace continued. His contract was not renewed and after a summer of waiting by the phone, there has been no permanent deal on offer.
Lascelles said: "Yes, it is a position I have never been in before. A lot of uncertainty, but I have been ticking over on my fitness, following a programme. I'm hoping for the right team to come along and join, get back to playing football, so hopefully it can change soon. I need to be playing football."
Hungry for a new challenge
Lascelles says he is open-minded to new possibilities and still hungry for success after lifting the Carabao Cup and Championship trophies during his time on Tyneside. Still only 32, he believes he has plenty of gas left in the tank as he seeks a new challenge.
"Yes, I am," he added. "Obviously, I have a family, and so I have to think of them; they are settled in schools and football teams, but I am open-minded about where I go. It is about getting back playing football, it is all I know."
"It was only last season I was at Newcastle training with those players, made a few appearances for Newcastle and obviously Leicester, so it isn’t like I have not been around [football], not been involved."
"Very much fit, very much hungry, still only 32 which for a centre-half is young. Well, not young, but it is a good age. So if somebody wants to give me the opportunity, I would love the challenge."
