Thursday was a day of outgoings at Newcastle United, with two players leaving the club on loan.
The first was Kell Watts, who joined Wigan Athletic following reports he would return to the Latics for a second loan spell.
The second was Jamal Lewis, who has secured a loan move to Championship side Watford. It had been reported that they were closing in, and now a deal is done.
The 25-year-old will spend the 2023/24 season at Vicarage Road, and the Hornets have the option to make the move permanent next summer if they wish.
That is ideally what Newcastle want, as they look to trim their squad and reduce the wage bill. While Lewis arrived as a player with a lot of potential, it is clear he has no future at St James’ Park.
The £15million move from Norwich has been largely unsuccessful, with multiple factors working against Lewis.
Now he has joined Watford, where he has a chance to rejuvenate his career and enjoy his football once again.
Newcastle players react as Jamal Lewis joins Watford on loan
Following confirmation of the move, Jamal Lewis took to Instagram to deliver a message to the Newcastle fans.
He wrote on his Instagram story: “Thank you Newcastle fans, forever grateful. All the best for the season Toon Army.”
The Northern Ireland international received messages of support and good luck from multiple Toon players.
Allan Saint-Maximin, who is set to leave as well, wrote: “Let’s go my G.”
Isaac Hayden added: “Good luck bro, buzzing for you.”
Joe Willock also commented: “Go show them bro.”
Good move for Lewis
A lot of Newcastle players are keen for Lewis to go and show everyone what he is capable of at Watford. Sadly, it just didn’t work out at St James’ Park.
A move away is for the best, as his minutes have been severely limited since Eddie Howe took over as manager. He started just once all season, with Dan Burn and Matt Targett battling it out for the left-back position.
Now Newcastle are looking to sign another left-sided defender, which would only have forced Lewis further down the pecking order.
There has been no hint that he could be the solution to our left-back search, suggesting that Howe does not think he is up to the task.
But at 25, Lewis still has time to get his career going again. Hopefully he can do that in a Watford shirt.
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