Jamal Lewis has an uncertain future at Newcastle United this summer after a nightmare of a second season in the North-East. The 24-year-old fell down the pecking order in January due to poor form and was dropped from the Magpies’ Premier League squad, so he’s spent the last five months on the sidelines unable to play competitive football.
Eddie Howe currently has Matt Targett, Matt Ritchie and Paul Dummett at his disposal, so it’s hard to see Lewis nailing down a regular spot at left-back next season. Normally an under-performing player who isn’t in the team would be made available for sale, but it’s highly unlikely Newcastle will find a suitor given his poor form.
Lewis has made five Premier League appearances this season and hasn’t featured since December 2021 after being axed. He’s long been criticised for poor performances withotu anything changing at Newcastle, so the writing may be on the wall. Targett joining permanently this summer would clinch it.
The Magpies paid £14.8m to Norwich City for Lewis in 2020 and he’s gone on to make 32 appearances in all competitions with one assist. The Northern Ireland international isn’t going to fetch anywhere near that amount if transfer listed, so Newcastle don’t have a choice but to loan him out and hope he will turn his form around.
A good season in the Championship will improve Lewis’ value and gives Howe options – whether to keep him as competition or sell him to cut losses. With three years remaining on his deal at St James’ Park, Newcastle can play the long game and hope a temporary move will be the solution.
In other news, Newcastle won’t sign Axel Witsel this summer despite reports
