Second Newcastle United player withdraws from international squad
Newcastle United left-back Jamal Lewis, currently on loan at Sao Paulo, has been forced to withdraw from international day.
Lewis completed a shock move to the Brazilian giants in September after failing to win a permanent place in Eddie Howe’s squad.
The 26-year-old spent last season on loan at Watford but after the Championship side opted against triggering a permanent deal, Lewis returned to Tyneside and was used by Howe in a number of pre-season friendlies.
The Newcastle boss regularly praised Lewis’ attitude but didn’t see a place for him with Lewis Hall, Lloyd Kelly, Matt Targett and Dan Burn ahead of him in the pecking order.
Then came the opportunity join Sao Paulo on a season-long loan.
“When I heard about this opportunity, I immediately told my agent that I wanted to come to Brazil,” said Lewis. “It’s an honor to play for a giant like Sao Paulo and to be the first British player in the club’s history.
“I’m really excited to play for a club that has won three World Cups. It’s an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I’m looking forward to meeting the fans and contributing to the team.”
Lewis made six appearances for Sao Paulo, half of which have been starts. He has also featured three times for Northern Ireland but won’t play a part in their upcoming Nations League matches against Belarus and Luxembourg.
"Jamal Lewis came in with an ankle issue and he has left the camp as well,” manager Michael O’Neill confirmed. “So we have a 25-man squad and we have more than enough to get through the two games."
The defender joined Newcastle from Norwich City in 2020 for £15million and has gone on to make 36 appearances. His last competitive outing came on the final day of the 2022-23 season as a substitute away to Chelsea.
Sao Paulo have an option to sign Lewis permanently, even though the player is understood to be out-of-contract in 2025.