Newcastle United left-back Jamal Lewis is set for a shock move to Brazilian giants Sao Paulo.
Neither club has yet confirmed the deal but Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill revealed that the transfer was on the cards as he said Lewis would report late for his country’s upcoming Nations League fixtures against Luxembourg and Bulgaria.
“Jamal is planning to join us later in the week after he completes his visa requirements and medical checks in Brazil,” said O’Neill.
“We wish him the best of luck in his new move to Sao Paulo.”
Speaking after Newcastle’s 2-1 win over Tottenham on Sunday lunchtime, Magpies boss Eddie Howe was asked if any more players could leave the club and said:
“Maybe the players that have been linked with a move, like Jamal Lewis could possibly leave, but certainly we hope no one else does.”
Lewis joined Newcastle on a five-year deal in 2020 after impressing while at Norwich City, but has never been able to establish himself in the side, making only 36 appearances in Newcastle colours, the last of those back in January 2023.
Lewis spent last season on loan at Watford and, having not been involved in any of Newcastle’s opening games of the season, has been looking for a move in search of regular playing time.
He won the first of his 36 Northern Ireland caps to date in a friendly match against South Korea at Windsor Park in March 2018.