Eddie Howe has admitted that one senior Newcastle United player could leave the club before the close of the summer transfer window despite featuring heavily during the side’s pre-season tour.
Left-back Jamal Lewis, who spent last season on loan at Championship side Watford, has been reintegrated into Howe’s plans after the Hornets opted against signing him permanently.
The 26-year-old has been a mainstay during pre-season — featuring against SpVgg Unterhaching, Hull City and Yokohama F.Marinos before playing a full 90 minutes in Saturday’s 1-0 win over French side Stade Brestois.
However, speaking to reporters after last weekend’s friendly, Howe admitted there is ‘a chance’ the 26-year-old could depart before the start of the season.
“Yeah I think he could be. While he’s here we’ll treat him with the respect he definitely deserves from how he’s conducted himself, trained and played. He’s had a good pre-season,” the Newcastle boss said.
“But there is also a chance he could end up leaving the football club but we’ll work with Jamal to find the solution he wants for his career.”
Since signing for the Magpies from Norwich City in 2020, Lewis, who has just 12 months left on his contract, has featured in 36 competitive matches in all competitions. He has registered one assist in that time.