Jamal Lewis was part of one of the most surprising transfers of the summer when he left Newcastle United on loan.
The left-back played a brief part in Newcastle United’s pre-season preparations, after returning to Tyneside following his loan spell in the Championship with Watford.
Another loan move beckoned for Jamal Lewis, but this exit from St James’ Park was massively unexpected.
Lewis joined Sao Paulo on loan until June 2025, and the Brazilian club have the option to make the deal permanent.
Lewis hopes that Sao Paulo can be his long-term home, after becoming the first ever British player to sign for the Brazilian club.
Brazilian expert assesses Jamal Lewis’ start at Sao Paulo
It is still too early to know whether Sao Paulo will opt to sign Lewis on a permanent deal.
He has made six appearances for his new club, starting three times. The Northern Ireland international has one assist to his name, setting up the winner in Sao Paulo’s recent 2-1 win over Athletico Paranaense.
That has been the high point of what has been a mixed start to Lewis’ time in Brazil. That is according to Brazilian football expert and Vamo Futebol writer Filipe Guedes, who has spoken to Geordie Boot Boys about Lewis’ start to life as a Sao Paulo player.
“It has been a hard start to his journey,” he said.
“He has had three chances in the starting XI, drawing one, losing one then winning one.
“After his last game as a starter, a 3-0 victory against Bahia, he was benched. The coach chose to use a centre-back at left-back instead.
“But, in this game, he was subbed on and provided the winning assist. After this our supporters showed more patience and he may have more chances.
“Most of the criticism about him are about his construction skills. He’s always trying the easier pass, usually to our centre-backs or defensive midfielders. It seems like a natural lack of confidence.
“He’s struggling on the defence as well. Here in Brazil we have many skilful wingers and he needs to adapt.”
Lewis’ Newcastle career is over no matter what
Whatever Sao Paulo decide to do with Lewis, it appears that his Newcastle United career is over. His Toon contract is due to expire in the summer of 2025, and it seems all but certain that he will not be offered an extension.
The 26-year-old has barely featured for the Magpies since Eddie Howe became manager. During Howe’s reign, Lewis has made eight competitive appearances for Newcastle United. His last was a 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in May 2023.
Newcastle paid £15million for Lewis in 2020, in the hope that he would be the club’s long-term left-back. However, that has not proven to be the case.
If he were at Newcastle right now, he would be behind Lewis Hall, Dan Burn, Lloyd Kelly and Matt Targett in the pecking order, while Howe also has Kieran Trippier and Tino Livramento who can play at left-back.
There is no way back for Lewis, who will hope he can impress Sao Paulo officials enough to earn a permanent contract. However, it is clear that will need to adapt and improve for that to happen.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
