Watford target a move for Newcastle left back Jamal Lewis on loan with the defender out of Eddie Howe’s plans
The world of professional football can be a challenging and unpredictable one, where players’ fortunes can change in an instant. For Newcastle full back Jamal Lewis, the past few seasons have been a struggle to establish himself as a regular starter for the Magpies. Despite joining the club in 2020 with high hopes and expectations, Lewis has found himself slipping down the pecking order, limited to just two Premier League appearances last season. The 25-year-old’s situation has become so dire that he was left out of Eddie Howe’s Premier League squad in January, and it seems he remains out of the manager’s plans ahead of the new season. As a result, Lewis is now being targeted by Championship side Watford, who are keen to sign him on loan.
Lewis’s story is a cautionary tale of how quickly things can change in football. Just a few years ago, he was a promising young player at Norwich City, having come through the Canaries’ academy and gone on to make over 100 appearances for the club. He was even part of the Norwich side that lifted the Championship trophy in 2019, and his performances earned him 30 caps for Northern Ireland. However, since joining Newcastle, Lewis has struggled to replicate that form, making just 36 appearances for the Magpies during his time at St James’ Park. His debut season was relatively successful, with 26 appearances, but things have gone downhill from there, with just six appearances the following campaign and a mere nine minutes of Premier League action last season. With Dan Burn established as Newcastle’s first-choice left back, Lewis’s opportunities have been limited, and it’s clear that he needs a change of scenery to reignite his career.
The fact that Newcastle are seeking to strengthen their options at full back is not surprising, given Lewis’s situation. The Magpies have been targeting a £21million move for Southampton right back Tino Livramento, although Southampton have so far resisted their offers. While Livramento is a right back, and Lewis plays on the left, it’s clear that Newcastle are looking to shore up their defensive options, and Lewis is not part of those plans. For Lewis, a loan move to Watford could be just the opportunity he needs to get his career back on track. The Championship side would offer him regular playing time, and the chance to prove himself once again. At 25, Lewis is still young enough to turn his career around, and a successful loan spell could put him back in the shop window, either for a permanent move to Watford or a return to Newcastle with renewed confidence and form.
For Newcastle, the situation with Lewis is a reminder that even the best-laid plans can go awry. When Lewis joined the club in 2020, he was seen as a promising young player with a bright future ahead of him. However, things have not worked out as planned, and the club is now looking to move on. The pursuit of Tino Livramento is a clear indication that Newcastle are looking to upgrade their full back options, and Lewis is no longer part of those plans. While it’s always disappointing to see a player’s career stall, the harsh realities of professional football mean that clubs must make tough decisions to strengthen their squads and stay competitive. In this case, Newcastle’s loss could be Watford’s gain, as the Championship side looks to capitalize on Lewis’s situation and offer him a fresh start.
As the summer transfer window continues to unfold, Lewis’s situation will be one to watch. Will he complete a loan move to Watford, or will Newcastle find another suitor for his services? One thing is clear: Lewis needs to get his career back on track, and a change of scenery could be just what he needs. For a player who has experienced the highs of winning the Championship with Norwich, the lows of struggling for game time at Newcastle must be frustrating. However, with the right attitude and a bit of luck, Lewis can turn his career around and prove himself once again. The question is, where will he be playing his football next season, and will he be able to rediscover the form that made him a promising young player in the first place?
As the football world continues to speculate about Lewis’s future, it’s worth remembering that behind every transfer story, there is a human being with hopes, fears, and dreams. For Lewis, the past few seasons have been a challenge, but he remains a talented young player with a lot to offer. Whether he ends up at Watford, Newcastle, or elsewhere, one thing is certain: he will be eager to prove himself and make a name for himself in the football world. With hard work, dedication, and a bit of luck, Lewis can turn his career around and achieve his goals. The question is, what’s next for this talented young full back, and where will his journey take him next? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Jamal Lewis is ready for a fresh start, and the football world will be watching with interest.
