Newcastle United 26yr old confirms ‘season-ending’ injury as clause activated

Jamal Lewis has returned to Newcastle United following an injury that prematurely ended his loan spell at Sao Paulo. The left-back, who initially surprised many by opting for a move to the Brazilian giants, now faces months of recovery after undergoing ankle surgery.

Having spent the previous season on loan at Watford, Lewis was expected to return to the EFL, but he chose to experience South American football instead. Unfortunately, his time in Brazil was limited to just six appearances before injury struck.

Sao Paulo’s 2025 season will begin in March, but by then, Lewis will be back in England, focusing on rehabilitation. His decision to address the persistent ankle issue was unavoidable after months of playing through pain.

Announcing his departure on social media, Lewis expressed his disappointment at not being able to continue his journey with Sao Paulo and thanked the club and its fans for their support.

He acknowledged the need for surgery and the lengthy recovery process ahead, apologizing for not being able to showcase his full potential during his brief stint.

The termination of his loan was anticipated earlier this month when Sao Paulo’s sporting director, Carlos Belmonte, revealed a clause in Lewis’ contract allowing Newcastle to recall him.

This arrangement ensured that the defender could return to England for surgery and recovery. Belmonte emphasized the strong relationship between the two clubs, confirming that the decision was made in collaboration with Newcastle once it became clear that surgery was necessary.

Lewis’ injury likely marks the end of his 2024-25 season. The defender’s chances of securing another loan move in January appear slim, and for him to feature competitively, Newcastle would need to include him in their 25-man Premier League squad. Given his current condition, such a move seems improbable.

Lewis last appeared in a competitive match for Newcastle at the conclusion of the 2022-23 season and participated in the club’s pre-season preparations earlier this year.

Signed from Norwich City in 2020 for £15 million, the 26-year-old’s time at St. James’ Park has been punctuated by injuries and limited opportunities. With his contract set to expire in June, his long-term future remains uncertain.

As Lewis embarks on his recovery journey, Newcastle faces a decision regarding the player’s role in their plans moving forward. His talent remains evident, but recurring fitness issues and competition for places may complicate his path to a regular spot in Eddie Howe’s squad.

While his time at Sao Paulo ended earlier than expected, the experience of playing in a different footballing culture could serve as a valuable chapter in his career. For now, Lewis will focus on returning to full fitness as he prepares for the next phase of his journey.