Eddie Howe names the £15m Newcastle United man facing an ‘uncertain’ future

Eddie Howe admits Jamal Lewis’ future at Newcastle United is unclear after becoming a forgotten man this season.

Lewis, who arrived from Norwich City for £15million in 2020, has made just three appearances this term and has only played seven minutes of Premier League football after coming on as a late substitute in a 4-1 win at Fulham in October.

His only start of the campaign came as the Magpies fell to a shock FA Cup third round exit at the hands of League One club Sheffield Wednesday in January.

“The future is a little bit unclear for him,” Howe admitted. “He’s very much a valued member of our squad at the moment.

“I’m very aware I’ve not been able to give him the football he wants this season but I would say his game has developed behind the scenes.

“The work he’s put in behind the scenes every day to improve himself with the coaches here has been brilliant to see.

“His game has been in a really good place, just I haven’t been able to give him the opportunities to show that. He’s someone we value and believe.

“As I sit here now, I don’t know what the future will hold for him next year.”

The 24-year-old started four of Howe’s opening six games in charge before picking up a hamstring injury in December against Liverpool.

Then, an ongoing groin problem - which required surgery in March - contributed to Lewis being left out of United’s 25-man Premier League squad for the second half of last season.

Lewis was set to be handed a chance to impress in pre-season and win back his place in Howe’s squad, however, the former Norwich full-back did not play a single minute due to a calf issue.

Howe added: “It’s amazing how fate shows its hand. I think he played at Liverpool and played a couple of previous games and was in good vain of form and helped us to our first win over Burnley.

“But then he pulled his hamstring and it meant we were really light in that position so we recruited Matt [Targett] and now Dan’s stepped up this year.

“There’s real competition for places in that area, which has been great for me personally but obviously more difficult for Jamal to deal with. But I have to say, he’s acted impeccably. 

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