Where did it all go wrong for Jamal Lewis? | OneFootball

Jamal Lewis sets off for sunny Brazil to join Sao Paulo FC on loan.

The question raised is, why didn’t the once promising left-back fulfil his potential in a black and white shirt?

When Lewis signed for Newcastle United back in September 2020, it was viewed by some as a coup. with Liverpool reportedly having an offer rejected by Norwich a month prior to Jamal Lewis arriving in the north east.

If there had been a move to Anfield, then Jamal Lewis would have been an understudy to Andy Robertson, but nevertheless it was a huge positive if indeed Liverpool did try to sign him.

With his first season at the club played almost exclusively behind closed doors due to COVID protocols, Lewis didn’t experience the St. James’ Park roar until his second season.

However with Mike Ashley and Steve Bruce still in situ, it was probably a blessing, as it was another disappointing season with Newcastle finishing 12th and battling against the drop until the latter stages. Lewis showed promise in certain fixtures that season, most notably his debut and Newcastle’s first game of the league against West Ham. Newcastle won the game 2-0 at the London Stadium with promising signs from not just Lewis, but other new recruits in Callum Wilson and Jeff Hendrick, who both were on the scoresheet.

The other standout performance was against Everton, another away fixture where Newcastle won 2-0, with Callum Wilson securing a brace to ensure all three points. Jamal Lewis assisted the second and defended well, as he contributed to a crucial win.

However, in that opening season after joining Newcastle United, the then 22 year-old lost his place in the starting eleven when we got into March 2021, with Paul Dummett replacing him, as Newcastle were looking to find solutions to a very leaky defence.

Matt Ritchie was also introduced to the left wing back position when Bruce opted to go with five at the back that season, as the team looked to do everything they could to shore up the back line. Lewis very quickly became third choice left-back at the club.

When Eddie Howe took over in November 2021, there was hope Jamal Lewis could benefit from his coaching and hit his potential. Howe gave Lewis an opportunity by starting him in a crucial bottom of the table clash against Norwich at home. A true test for Lewis as Newcastle battled in the game for over 80 minutes with ten players as Ciaran Clark saw red early on. It ended 1-1 but it was a performance Lewis could be proud off and it led to Howe showing the faith as he started against Burnley the following Saturday where Newcastle won their first game of the season.

It felt as if Lewis was gathering momentum under Howe, but unfortunately for both Lewis and Newcastle, the player sustained a hamstring injury which kept him out till January 2022. He returned to the squad in the New Year but his position was taken by new loan addition Matt Targett who hit the ground running. Lewis then picked up a groin injury in March which led to him missing the rest of the season and effectively solidified his position on the sidelines.

Only starting one Carabao Cup fixture in the 22/23 season and falling behind Dan Burn, Matt Targett and Matt Ritchie in the pecking order, it was only a matter of time before Lewis was moved on. In 23/24 he spent the season on loan at Watford, but with Watford not making the move permanent and the fans frustrated with his inconsistent performances, Jamal Lewis returned back to Tynseside despite making 38 appearances that season.

Lewis started three of Newcastle United’s six pre-season games in the summer, with murmurs suggesting he may stay on and be part of Newcastle’s squad for the season ahead. However, with Lewis Hall’s deal turning from loan to permanent and Matt Targett staying put, Lewis was one of the players Newcastle were looking to release from their wage bill.

With Sao Paulo now the destination on a loan term basis, he’s made history by becoming the first British player to sign for the Brazilian club.

Although very unlikely Jamal Lewis will feature in a Newcastle shirt again, there will be mutual hope he can stay injury free and perform like he once did when playing his best football at Carrow Road.