Premier League defender lands in Brazil after his national team manager reveals he is set to join Sao Paulo

Newcastle United‘s Jamal Lewis will join up with his Northern Ireland team-mates slightly later than planned after traveling to Brazil to complete a move to Sao Paulo.

Left back Lewis, 26, has featured in 31 Premier League games for Newcastle since arriving from Norwich in September 2020.

But he spent the 2023-24 campaign on loan at Watford, where he made 36 appearances in the Championship.

Lewis is now set for another loan away from St James’ Park as he is expected to join the team currently sixth in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A.

It is understood that an initial loan deal is likely to develop into a permanent switch away from Newcastle, where Lewis has less than 12 months remaining on his current contract.  

Lewis played for Newcastle during their pre-season games but spent last season out on loan

There has so far been no official confirmation from either Newcastle or Sao Paulo, but Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill revealed that the move was imminent.

‘Jamal is planning to join us later in the week after he completes his visa requirements and medical checks in Brazil,’ said O’Neill, speaking ahead of his team’s Nations League fixtures against Luxembourg and Bulgaria.

‘We wish him the best of luck in his new move to Sao Paulo.’

Lewis later spoke to the media at an airport in Brazil. Discussing his excitement at joining Sao Paulo, he said: ‘I’m super excited to meet all the Sao Paulo fans. I’ve seen some games and I can’t wait to step out on that pitch, so that’s the most important thing.

‘For me personally, the Premier League is intense, it’s tough, it has a lot of quality, so hopefully I can bring all of that, I can bring my athleticism – I love to run down the wing on the left side of the pitch, defend, attack, score goals, help with assists – so hopefully I can contribute for Sao Paulo.’  

Lewis pictured speaking to reporters who had gathered to greet him at an airport in Brazil

Left back Lewis pictured leaving the airport after being interviewed by the Brazilian media

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill broke the news that Lewis was set for Sao Paulo

The Premier League transfer window closed last Friday but English clubs can still sell players to teams in countries where the window is still open.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said on Sunday following a 2-1 win over Tottenham: ‘Maybe the players that have been linked with a move, like Jamal Lewis, could possibly leave, but certainly we hope no one else does.’