Newcastle have signed left-back Jamaal Lewis from Norwich for a fee of around £15million.
Liverpool had previously shown an interest in the 22-year-old in the window and had a bid of £10m rejected, but Newcastle have since pursued their interest and got the deal over the line.
Lewis underwent his medical early on Tuesday morning as the Magpies look to include the defender in their squad in time for their opening game of the 2020/21 season against West Ham on Saturday.
✍️ #NUFC are delighted to announce the signing of Jamal Lewis from Norwich City on a five-year deal!
Welcome Jamal! ?
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) September 8, 2020
The Northern Ireland international becomes Newcastle’s fourth signing of the summer following the free transfers of Jeff Hendrick and Ryan Fraser and the arrival of striker Callum Wilson from Bournemouth.
Speaking to Newcastle’s website, Lewis said: “It was a bit unexpected but it was something I was obviously looking forward to when I heard there was serious interest, so I’m here now. Glad to come.
“Newcastle is a great club with such history and I knew this was an opportunity I would love to take with both hands.”
Lewis moves to Newcastle and keeps himself in English top flight after Norwich relegation / Pool / Getty Images
Manager Steve Bruce added: “Jamal is a very exciting prospect. I saw him flourish in the Championship two years ago and he really took advantage of that in the Premier League last season.
“He’s only 22 and has a brilliant future ahead of him so I expect him to be a full-back for Newcastle United for years to come.
“It’s been a good week for us with the players coming in. We’ve had to be patient but these players make us better, which is important.”
??#NUFC pic.twitter.com/Jhf2CbLAFT
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) September 7, 2020
Wilson joined the club in a £20m move from Bournemouth, who were relegated to the Championship at the end of last season, while Fraser joined on a free after leaving the Cherries at the end of his contract on June 30. was authorized.
Newcastle were previously quoted at around £18m for Lewis, but after exploring other options including Sassuolo’s Rogerio, they were able to agree a deal for the Northern Irishman.
It’s welcome news for Magpies fans who were fearing the worst ahead of the summer transfer window, after months of speculation that a big-money bid collapsed. Lewis will fill the hole left by Danny Rose, who left the club after his loan deal expired.
Lewis impressed in a relegated Norwich side / Stephen Pond/Getty Images
Lewis made 28 Premier League appearances for Norwich last season and, unlike Rose’s experience, brought more youth into the squad. Newcastle conceded 58 goals in the league last season, by no means as poor as those at the bottom of the table, but something that should be improved with defensive reinforcements.