Jamal Lewis finally has a new club after being released by Newcastle United.
The defender’s Newcastle United career came to an end in the summer, with Jamal Lewis one of two senior players to be released by the club following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season.
Callum Wilson joined West Ham on a free transfer one month after his Toon contract expired, but it has taken Lewis a bit longer to embark on the next chapter of his career.
Jamal Lewis plays for Newcastle United in pre-season against Hull City.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Jamal Lewis signs for Preston after Newcastle United release
It has been announced that Lewis has signed for Preston North End on a short-term deal.
The 27-year-old has a contract with the Championship side until 30th December, as he prepares to spend the next two months at Deepdale.
Lewis will aim to win a longer deal with Preston, who have started the 2025/26 season brightly under Paul Heckingbottom.
Following his arrival, Lewis told their official website: “I’m really excited. I’m really grateful for the opportunity and just ready and raring to go, to be honest.
“I spoke to the manager. Obviously he knows of me and my running power, what I can give to any team that I play for. I think how the team plays should suit me and I should be able to gel with the team quite well. I just want to be able to get as much knowledge and information and get everything moving as quickly as possible so I can just help as much as I can.”
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How Jamal Lewis feels about Newcastle United exit
Following his release, Lewis spoke to the Chronicle about the end of his Newcastle United career. There was no malice from the defender, despite a difficult five years on Tyneside.
“Despite there being trials and tribulations, and there being more ups than downs for me personally, I really came to understand myself as a footballer and a man there,” he said.
“I don’t look back with any negativity. I probably did in the moment, but I’ve learnt as I’ve got older that these things help you grow as a person and a footballer. So I’m actually very thankful for them and to Newcastle for buying me and giving me the opportunity to even represent the club. That’s a blessing in itself.
“It’s very easy to blame people in football, but that’s not my mindset. Mine is to take accountability first.
“Some things are in your hands, some things are out of your hands. Just because it’s out of your hands doesn’t mean it’s someone else’s fault.”
When the likes of Callum Wilson and Sean Longstaff left Newcastle United this summer, there was sadness from supporters. They waved goodbye to two players who had played a key role during a pivotal era for the club, both pre and post-takeover.
However, Lewis’ St James’ Park exit was quiet. His Toon career had come to an end long before he officially departed. His last appearance for the club came in May 2023 as a substitute against Chelsea. That was one of just two Premier League outings for Lewis that season, as Newcastle qualified for the Champions League.
The Northern Ireland international then went on loan to Watford and Sao Paulo, before becoming a free agent in the summer. It has taken him four months to find a new club, but hopefully Lewis can make up for lost time at Preston.
Having cost the Magpies £15million in 2020, Lewis arrived at St James’ Park with a lot of potential. Sadly, he did not realise it in black and white, but at 27 there is still plenty of time for him to rebuild his career.
Hopefully that starts with his move to Preston.