Newcastle United 26-year-old confirms 'season-ending' injury as clause activated

Eyebrows were raised when the left-back moved to the Brazilian giants in the summer. Lewis spent last season on loan at Watford and was expected to return to the EFL.

The 26-year-old instead jumped at the opportunity to sample life in South America but an ankle injury has brought his journey to an end after just six appearances.

Sao Paulo begin their 2025 season in March. By that time, Lewis will be back in England and a couple of months into his recovery from surgery.

“I'm disappointed that I won't be able to continue my journey with São Paulo FC next season,” Lewis announced on social media. “I've been having an issue that's been giving me a lot of pain when I've been playing for months, requiring surgery and a few months of recovery.

“Sorry I couldn't show my gratitude to the fans for showing my true level on the pitch. I wish the tricolor all the best in the future ❤️ !“

In early December, Sao Paulo sporting director Carlos Belmonte revealed there was a clause to terminate Lewis’ loan.

“Jamal might not be [staying at Sao Paulo],” Belmonte told UOL. “We have a clause in his contract – Newcastle could call him up at the start of the season, and we could return him. Our relationship with Newcastle is exceptional.

“He’s got an ankle problem and we’re making an assessment. It’s already been agreed with Newcastle [that] if he has to have surgery, he’ll go back for the surgery and the recovery process in England.”

The injury will almost certainly prevent Lewis from heading out on loan again next month, effectively ending his 2024-25 season. Lewis would need to be named in Newcastle’s 25-man Premier League squad to be eligible to play.

Lewis represented Eddie Howe’s side in pre-season but last made a competitive appearance on the final day of the 2022-23 campaign. He joined the Magpies from Norwich City in 2020 for £15million and is out-of-contract in June.