The Daily Express has reported that Turkish side Trabzonspor are keen on bringing in Newcastle United’s Jamal Lewis on loan. Lewis was linked with a move away before the window closed according to The Athletic, but nothing materialised.
But there could be another opportunity for the Northern Ireland left-back. The Turkish transfer window doesn’t close until February 8th, allowing the clubs just under a week to reach an agreement.
In the same Daily Express piece, they report that Lewis wanted to stay and fight for his place. However, it appears that both he and centre-back Ciaran Clark are to be taken out of the 25-man squad.
Lewis should take the chance, it’s better than not playing at all
The prospect of moving to Turkey for a few months perhaps could be quite daunting for Lewis. However, considering that he is likely to be cast aside from the squad then he should take the opportunity. Getting some consistent game time abroad is better than none at all.
Whilst I personally believe there were other players you could’ve taken out instead of Lewis, that’s possibly not what Howe thinks.
Players like Matty Longstaff decided to bite the bullet and go out on loan. Arguably for him, a loan move to Mansfield Town is below him, but he decided to prioritise first-team football.
If he goes away on loan, Lewis can perhaps push for a squad place come the summer. Should the club decide to sign current loanee Matt Targett, he can battle it out with him next year. If the 24-year-old impresses on loan, it would give Eddie Howe something to think about.
It’s perhaps not the ideal situation right now for Jamal Lewis. But it appears he’s not in the plans of Howe for the rest of the season. So he might as well take this final chance to go out on loan.
A loan move away wouldn’t signal the end of Lewis’ Toon career. But he won’t be doing himself any favours if he merely plays reserve football for the rest of the season.
If a move to Turkey becomes a real possibility, it is something Lewis should seriously consider.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
