Things never truly clicked for Jamal Lewis after his £15 million move from Norwich City to Newcastle United, and the Northern Ireland international appeared to have finally found an escape route from his difficult spell on Tyneside last year.
Lewis joined Brazilian club São Paulo on loan with an option to buy, but his hopes of a fresh start were quickly dashed after sustaining an injury just six games into his spell.
The Brazilian side deemed the issue serious enough to terminate his loan, forcing Lewis to return to Newcastle.
Eddie Howe subsequently included him in the Magpies’ depleted squad for the second half of the season, though only to fill a vacancy rather than out of genuine tactical need.
After a frustrating few months, Lewis finally departed Newcastle in the summer. However, it took another four months before he found a new club.
Championship outfit Preston North End eventually signed him on a short-term deal until December to help ease their injury crisis.
Despite his long spell without competitive football, Lewis has made an immediate impression at Deepdale.
Preston’s assistant manager Stuart McCall praised the defender’s remarkable fitness levels, telling BBC Lancashire (via The Shields Gazette) that Lewis is in outstanding physical condition.
“When you bring someone in this late, two or three months into the season, and they haven’t had much football, you usually worry.
But he’s an absolute machine—an incredible athlete who covers the ground effortlessly. His running ability and the way he glides with the ball are real strengths.
Over the years, we’ve had players arrive late in the season, but he’s easily in the best shape I’ve ever seen anyone come in at this stage.”
Lewis made his Preston debut last weekend, coming off the bench in the 80th minute during their 2–0 win over Southampton at St Mary’s.
Though it was only a brief cameo, it marked an important first step in his effort to revive his career.
At 27, Lewis will be hoping to make the most of this opportunity and secure a permanent move to Preston in January.
After several frustrating years at Newcastle, fans will be eager to see him finally get back on track.
