After being left out of Newcastle United’s 25-man squad, it was hard to see a way back for Jamal Lewis. But his time on Tyneside may not be over just yet.
Alongside Ciaran Clark, Lewis continues to train with the first team, while Isaac Hayden is still undergoing rehabilitation on his knee injury.
All three were left out of Eddie Howe’s 25-man squad at the end of January to make space for the five signings that were brought in during the winter transfer window.
Lewis only made six appearances this season and only had one Premier League outing under Steve Bruce which came in the 4-1 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Following the arrival of Howe, the Northern Ireland international started four Premier League games in a row before coming off with a hamstring injury in the early stages of the clash against Liverpool at Anfield.
The 24-year-old hasn’t featured since that night on Merseyside in mid-December and it remains to be seen whether he will don the black and white jersey ever again.
However, the former Norwich City man’s contract at St James’ Park runs until 2025 and a report from the Athletic states that Howe still sees potential in Lewis. They add that the Toon boss admires his endurance and athleticism. However, he’s lost his place to January arrival Matt Targett.
Targett has enjoyed an impressive start to life on Tyneside following his loan move from Aston Villa. If the 26-year-old maintains his current form, it feels highly likely that PIF will enter negotiations about signing the England under-21 international permanently.
Even if Steven Gerrard decides that Targett is part of his first team plans next season, PIF and Howe are likely to go big in the transfer window once again.
As the club embarks on its next phases of the ambitious project as the world’s richest club, players who are deemed not good enough will be moved on.
Unfortunately for Jamal Lewis, his two-year stay with the Magpies could come to an end in the summer, in a move which could well prove to benefit all parties.
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