The Sven Botman injury rocked Newcastle United's season earlier in the campaign, with Eddie Howe struggling to build the defensive resilience. However, there was one man who helped to overcome those injury woes and he is the surprising recipient of today's Newcastle transfer news, as he's linked with a move away.
If you hadn't guessed, I'm talking about the captain Jamaal Lascelles, who has been an excellent hero in our season so far. When he stepped up to the mark to fill the boots of Sven Botman, certain people doubted him (I must admit, I was one), but he proved those people wrong as he stepped up and used his experience in the back-line well.
Newcastle transfer news: Howe's Sven Botman injury saviour linked with move to Turkey
Now, Lascelles is linked with not just a move away from Newcastle, but a move away from England. According to The Mail, Besiktas are showing a keen interest in signing the Newcastle captain, as he could be viewed as surplus to requirements with players returning from injury.
Certainly, Lascelles is low on the pecking order for Eddie Howe as he has his preferences. With Sven Botman back from injury and Fabian Schar putting pen to paper over a contract extension, Lascelles' game time could be limited going forward. With that in mind, Besiktas would like to add him to their ranks.
Throughout the years, the Turkish league has been kind to Premier League players entering their final years. Lascelles has had a stellar career with Newcastle and been with us through thick and thin so he deserves to play at a club where he is valued and given sufficient game time. I wish that could be with Newcastle, but sadly this isn't a reality anymore.
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What do you make of today's Newcastle transfer news?