£15m Newcastle United signing teases summer transfer exit after frank admission

Jamal Lewis has opened up on his mindset as he struggles to find a way into the Newcastle United side - and hinted he could make a summer departure from St James Park.

The Northern Ireland international initially joined the Magpies in a £15m move from Norwich City during the summer of 2020 and went on to make 24 appearances in all competitions for Steve Bruce’s side. However, injuries and the arrival of Dan Burn and Matt Targett during the January 2022 transfer window hampered his attempts to find regular game-time under Bruce’s successor. That has continued into the current season as the former of Burn has played a major role in United’s expected push for a Champions League place.

Lewis has made just three appearances for Howe’s side over the last seven months, with a seven-minute substitute appearance in the 4-1 win at Fulham in October providing the sum total of his involvement in the Magpies’ Premier League campaign. Despite his struggles at domestic level, Lewis remains heavily involved in the Northern Ireland squad and played for 74 minutes in their 2-0 win over San Marino in a Euro 2024 qualifier on Thursday night.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s home clash with Finland, Lewis gave an insight into the difficult time he has suffered over the last two years and revealed he will ‘assess’ his situation at the end of the season.

He told the Belfast Telegraph: “Obviously football is all glitz and glamour but it’s the darker side or the psychological side of football that is not talked about as much as it probably should be.

“It’s been difficult going from playing week in, week out at Norwich to not playing and then getting injured and having a tricky injury that I can’t really get on top of, which can play a very negative part in your mental being and everything. But to get on top of it, I’m just looking forward now and I’m really optimistic about my future and my career and hopefully everything can go into an upward trajectory.

“I will just focus game to game. For me now, I’m looking to Finland and I want to get another three points for the team, that’s the highest priority for me. Then, just moving forward, obviously Newcastle are having a great season, whether I’m involved or not, I’m happy to be part of the group.

“The gaffer (Eddie Howe) is doing amazing, the boys are doing amazing, so I’m happy to be part of it and then when the summer comes we’ll assess and see what the best move is for me and the club moving forward.”