Newcastle United sanction move for £15m defender - likely played last game for the club
Newcastle United left-back Jamal Lewis is closing in on a stunning move to Brazil giants Sao Paulo.
Lewis spent last season on loan at Watford and had been expected to return to the Championship before the English transfer window closed on Friday.
The 26-year-old re-integrated himself back into Eddie Howe’s squad over pre-season, featuring in numerous friendlies. Howe, however, has been open to letting Lewis depart again with the player currently behind Lewis Hall, Lloyd Kelly and Matt Targett in the pecking order.
And his next club is set to be Sao Paulo. It’s understood Lewis arrived in Brazil on Sunday to finalise his move.
While Howe didn’t confirm Lewis’ next club, he did admit he could leave. He said: “The players who have been linked to move like Jamal Lewis could possibly leave but certainly we hope no one else does.”
Lewis arrived at St James’ Park from Norwich City in 2020 for £15million and he has since gone on to make 36 competitive appearances for the club. His last competitive outing came on the final day of the 2022-23 season as a substitute away to Chelsea.
His loan move to Watford had an option to buy clause, one that the Hornets decided against activating. He is out of contract next summer.
“I’ve always really rated him and held him in high regard ever since his Norwich days when I was a really big fan of his,” Howe said on last month. “Working with him, a great attitude, wants to improve and he’s really benefited from his loan spell. Coming back into the group, he’s trained really well.
“Ultimately, a lot will depend on what he wants, if he wants to continue playing football and it might be difficult for me to guarantee him that so we’ll wait and see.”