£15m Newcastle flop could return in January as Sporting Director reveals loan clause
Jamal Lewis’s loan spell at São Paulo could be coming to a premature end just months after sealing a surprise move to South America.
The 26-year-old made a shock switch to Brazil in September after a loan stint at Watford last season, but the prospect of ankle surgery after suffering an injury with Northern Ireland threatens to derail his time in Série A.
January return on the cards?
According to Brazilian outlet UOL São Paulo's Sporting Director Carlos, the club have the option to terminate Lewis’ deal, with their sights set on a new left back in the winter window.
Speaking to the media in Brazil on Lewis' future, Belmonte said: “Jamal might not be [a São Paulo player in 2025]. We have a clause in his contract – Newcastle could call him up at the start of the season, and we could return him. Our relationship with Newcastle is exceptional.”
“He’s got an ankle problem and we’re making an assessment. It’s already been agreed with Newcastle: if he has to have surgery, he’ll go back for the surgery and the recovery process in England.”
Once tipped for greatness, which led to Steve Bruce’s Newcastle paying £15m for the full back from Norwich back in 2020, Lewis’ career has yet to truly take off like many thought it would, though six appearances for the Brazilian side showed there were signs of him making a career comeback.
What next for Lewis?
If ankle surgery is required, he'll return to Tyneside and have his loan spell cut in half, leaving him sidelined and unable to secure a January move with jus six months left to run on his Newcastle contract.
Sadly, it seems the Northern Irishman’s career at the top level of club football may be coming to an end: a sad prospect for a young British defender tipped for big things back in his Norwich days.
Speaking about his switch to Sao Paulo back in September, Lewis said: “There was always going to be interest and offers, but this one, once I heard it, it was a no-brainer,” the Northern Ireland left-back said.
“I think some people probably thought it was quite random and out of the blue and I can’t argue with that, but if Sao Paulo were interested in my profile as a player and I’m interested in representing such a big club, it could be the start of a great journey…
“I’ve always been one to test myself. I’ve never wanted to stay and then look back on my career and think, ‘What if I did this?’ So I think this will pay dividends.”
