Newcastle United’s Jamal Lewis is heading back to Tyneside after his loan spell with Sao Paulo was prematurely ended due to injury.
The left-back, who joined the Brazilian side in early September and had embraced life there, was keen on making the move permanent.
Unfortunately, an ankle injury requiring surgery has led Sao Paulo to invoke a clause to return him to Newcastle ahead of the upcoming league season. In a message shared on social media, Lewis expressed his disappointment in Portuguese.
“I’m disappointed that I won’t be able to continue my journey with São Paulo FC next season,” he wrote. “I’ve been having an issue that’s been giving me a lot of pain when I’ve been playing for months, requiring surgery and a few months of recovery.
“Sorry I couldn’t show my gratitude to the fans for showing my true level on the pitch. I wish the tricolor all the best in the future.”
Jamal Lewis, whose contract expires this summer, was informed before his South American stint that a renewal was unlikely. Although Eddie Howe provided him with opportunities to shine during recent pre-season campaigns, Lewis struggled to secure regular competitive appearances. His last official outing for Newcastle was in May 2023.
“I’ve spoken to the manager and I’m in my last year and I’ve done a season-long loan, so that kind of has the writing on the wall,” said Lewis upon arriving in Brazil. “But if Sao Paulo can be my long-term home for the future, that would be amazing.”
The Northern Irish player will complete his rehabilitation at Newcastle before looking for a new club in the summer. A number of Championship teams are expected to show interest in securing his services once his contract officially ends.
