In a surprising turn of events, Northern Ireland defender Jamal Lewis is poised to make a remarkable move from the Premier League to the Brazilian Serie A, joining the prestigious São Paulo FC. The move, which is still pending official confirmation, has already generated significant buzz, with Lewis expressing his enthusiasm for the challenge ahead. According to the Belfast telegraph.
This potential transfer marks an intriguing shift in the career of the 26-year-old left-back, who has spent the last few years plying his trade in England’s top flight.
Embracing a New Challenge in Brazil
Jamal Lewis is no stranger to adversity. After a promising start at Newcastle United following his £15 million transfer from Norwich City in 2020, Lewis found himself out of favour and eventually loaned out to Watford last season. Despite being reintegrated into Newcastle’s squad over the summer, his exclusion from the first three matches of the new Premier League season indicated that his future at St James’ Park was uncertain.
Now, with the opportunity to join São Paulo, Lewis is eager to bring his Premier League experience to South America. “The Premier League is intense, it’s tough, it has a lot of quality, so hopefully I can bring a lot of that and contribute to São Paulo,” he told reporters upon his arrival in Brazil. His excitement is palpable, as he added, “I want to try and win Cups and push up the League. I’m super excited to meet all the São Paulo fans. I’ve seen some games and I can’t wait to step out on that pitch.”
The Importance of This Move for Lewis
For Lewis, this move represents more than just a fresh start—it’s a chance to reinvigorate his career. Having not played for Newcastle since December 2021, his prospects in England seemed limited. The shift to São Paulo offers a unique opportunity to showcase his skills in a different environment, potentially reigniting his international career with Northern Ireland as well.
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill has shown support for Lewis’s decision, noting, “Jamal is planning to join us later in the week after he completes his Visa requirements and medical checks in Brazil. We wish him the best of luck in his new move to São Paulo.”
What São Paulo Gains from This Deal
São Paulo FC, one of Brazil’s most storied clubs, stands to benefit immensely from Lewis’s Premier League experience. The intensity and high level of competition in England’s top tier have honed Lewis into a player capable of making a significant impact in Brazil. His defensive acumen, coupled with his ability to contribute to attacking plays, could make him a valuable asset as São Paulo aims to climb the league table and compete for silverware.
As this move edges closer to completion, both Lewis and São Paulo fans alike will be watching with anticipation. Should the deal go through, it will mark a fascinating chapter in the career of a player who still has much to offer on the global stage.
Statistical Analysis by EPL Index
Jamal Lewis has often been a player who divides opinion among fans and pundits alike. His recent performance data, provided by Fbref, sheds light on his contributions and areas for improvement over the last 365 days. This analysis delves into the numbers, offering a deeper understanding of his role as a full-back.
Possession Metrics Highlight Lewis’s Strengths
One of the standout aspects of Jamal Lewis’s performance data is his ability to contribute in possession. With a pass completion rate in the 72nd percentile and progressive passes in the 54th percentile, Lewis demonstrates his reliability on the ball. His ability to carry the ball forward is further underscored by his 61st percentile ranking in progressive carries and a solid 92nd percentile in touches. These figures suggest that Lewis is comfortable in possession and capable of driving play forward, an essential quality for modern full-backs.
Defensive Data Reveals Areas for Improvement
While Lewis shows promise in possession, his defensive statistics reveal potential areas for growth. His percentile ranks for clearances (28th) and blocks (20th) indicate that his contributions in these areas are below average for a full-back. Additionally, his 3rd percentile ranking for aerial duels won and 44th percentile for tackles and interceptions suggest that he could struggle in more physical defensive situations. These stats highlight the need for improvement if he is to compete at the highest level consistently.
Attacking Contributions: More to Offer?
Attacking-wise, Lewis’s data points to some potential, with a 71st percentile in assists and 66th percentile in shot-creating actions. However, his non-penalty goals and expected non-penalty xG are relatively low, at the 28th and 39th percentiles, respectively. While he offers creative support, he may need to enhance his direct goal contributions to become a more complete attacking full-back.
In summary, Jamal Lewis’s performance data presents a mixed picture. While he excels in possession, there are clear areas for improvement defensively and in goal-scoring contributions. These insights offer a valuable perspective as Lewis continues to develop his game.
