Newcastle United player deletes social media account ahead of exit
As Newcastle United prepare for their Champions League campaign, the club’s summer reshuffle has already begun with several players expected to depart.
Among them is Jamal Lewis, the Northern Ireland international whose £12 million move from Norwich City in 2021 never delivered on its promise.
The 26-year-old left-back has effectively confirmed his imminent exit by deleting his Instagram account—a symbolic gesture that speaks volumes about his failed tenure at St James’ Park.
Lewis arrived during Steve Bruce’s reign as part of an ambitious recruitment drive, but his fortunes nosedived when Eddie Howe took charge.
The defender managed just two substitute appearances in Newcastle’s historic 2022-23 top-four campaign before being shipped out on loan—first to Watford, then to Brazilian side São Paulo.
His spell in South America ended prematurely due to injury, sealing his fate as a player with no future under Howe.
Goalkeeping Overhaul Looms
Lewis isn’t the only player heading for the exit. Backup goalkeepers Mark Gillespie and John Ruddy, who failed to make a single Premier League appearance this season, are also out of contract.
Their departures would free up space for Newcastle to recruit a younger understudy or an experienced “club-trained” goalkeeper to meet Champions League squad requirements.
The club has already identified Burnley’s James Trafford as a potential long-term solution between the posts. The 22-year-old England U21 star enjoyed a stellar Championship campaign, keeping 29 clean sheets and conceding just 16 goals.
His distribution and reflexes align perfectly with Howe’s progressive style, making him an ideal candidate to eventually succeed Nick Pope.
Wilson’s Uncertain Future
While fringe players face the axe, Callum Wilson’s situation remains unresolved. The 33-year-old striker has been offered an incentive-laden contract extension, but with Alexander Isak firmly established as Newcastle’s first-choice forward, Wilson must decide whether to accept a reduced role or seek regular football elsewhere.
Leeds United have expressed interest in the veteran forward, whose clinical finishing could prove invaluable in the Championship.
Wilson’s potential departure would mark the end of an era, but with Newcastle aiming to compete on multiple fronts next season, sentimentality may take a backseat to squad evolution.
Another academy product facing an uncertain future is Sean Longstaff. The midfielder, who has spent his entire career at Newcastle, could follow Lewis out the door as the club looks to refresh its midfield options.
Like Wilson, Longstaff has attracted attention from Leeds, who view him as a potential marquee signing for their promotion push.
Longstaff’s exit would be particularly poignant given his local roots, but with Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimarães, and Joelinton ahead of him in the pecking order, first-team opportunities may remain limited.
A New Chapter Begins
Newcastle’s summer business reflects their growing ambition. The days of clinging to underperforming players are over, replaced by a ruthless approach to squad building that prioritizes quality over nostalgia. Lewis’ impending departure—symbolized by his social media purge—epitomizes this shift.
For Howe and sporting director Dan Ashworth, the challenge now is to replace outgoing players with upgrades who can handle the demands of Champions League football.
Trafford’s potential arrival would be a statement of intent, while Wilson’s decision could shape Newcastle’s attacking depth next season.
One thing is certain: as the Magpies prepare for their biggest campaign in decades, sentiment will play no part in their transfer strategy.
The club’s hierarchy is determined to build a squad capable of competing with Europe’s elite—and that means making tough decisions on players who no longer fit the project.
For Jamal Lewis, that decision has already been made. After three forgettable years on Tyneside, his Newcastle nightmare is finally coming to an end.