Eddie Howe admits he’d ‘love to see’ Jamal Lewis back for Newcastle

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Jamal Lewis could get a chance to show he has a future with Newcastle United in pre-season.

He hasn’t featured since late 2021, getting injured before subsequently being dropped from Eddie Howe’s Premier League squad. Lewis’ last appearance came in the 3-1 defeat to Liverpool in December.

Some fans will have thought that this summer would signal the end of his Toon career. But perhaps the Magpies boss still sees the potential that the full-back can offer the squad. He’s hinted that Lewis may get another chance at St James’ Park.

“He’s had a few operations and recently had another one,” Howe said ahead of the trip to Norwich.

“We hope this one has fixed his long-standing groin problem. It’s been frustrating for him because he’s not felt 100%. I’d love to see him back in pre-season and show us the player he can be.”

Lewis could be sufficient cover at left-back for Newcastle next season

Matt Targett has been a consistent performer since his arrival in January. Hopefully the deal is made permanent in the summer.

But Newcastle will need cover in this position even if Targett signs. This is where Lewis could be useful for Howe. The Northern Ireland international is still only 24-years-old, so he has time to develop and improve his game.

He’s shown glimpses of promise and talent. He played well for Newcastle under Howe in their last clash with Norwich at St James’ Park.

In January, the club did allow Lewis to leave on loan should he have wanted to (The Athletic). Some Championship clubs were interested but nothing came of it.

There was also interest from Turkey, according to The Daily Express. Trabzonspor was reported as being willing to take him on loan at the start of February.

Pre-season will be Howe’s chance to reassess Lewis. The Newcastle boss may decide that he wants to give him a full season chance before shipping him off.

A fee of £15million (Sky Sports) was spent on the full-back in 2020. So perhaps it’s worth waiting and seeing what he can offer under Howe. If they sell him this summer, they certainly won’t make a profit on him.