This transfer is the most random move of the summer window - and you'll probably have missed it

HULL, ENGLAND - JULY 27: Jamal Lewis of Newcastle United running during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Hull City and Newcastle United at MKM Stadium on July 27, 2024 in Hull, England. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Transfer deadline day in the UK came and went on Friday, 30 August with plenty of high-profile moves and drama.

Raheem Sterling joined Arsenal on loan, while Jadon Sancho replaced him at Chelsea ahead of a permanent switch to Stamford Bridge next summer. Ivan Toney, meanwhile, moved to Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia. 

However, there are still some leagues where the transfer window has remained open for a little while longer - giving time for some stranger deals to take place. 

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Indeed, Newcastle United left-back and Northern Ireland international Jamal Lewis is on the verge of completing a move to Brazilian side Sao Paulo, despite never having even played football outside of the UK, let alone Europe. 

While the transfer is still awaiting official confirmation, Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill revealed that Lewis is currently in Brazil attempting to finalise the move, highlighting why the left-back will report late for their Nations League fixtures against Luxembourg and Bulgaria. 

"Jamal is planning to join us later in the week after he completes his visa requirements and medical checks in Brazil," O'Neill said. "We wish him the best of luck in his new move to Sao Paulo."

TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 03: Jamal Lewis of Newcastle United runs with the ball during the J.LEAGUE International Series 2024 powered by docomo match between Yokohama F•Marinos and Newcastle United at National Stadium on August 03, 2024 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Harriet Massey/Newcastle United via Getty Images)

Lewis on pre-season tour with Newcastle (Image credit: Getty Images)

Lewis joined Newcastle United in 2020 for £15m, signing from Norwich City on a five-year deal. He has struggled to make an impact at St. James' Park, though, making just 36 appearances in all competitions - just 10 have come since the start of the 2021/22 season.

The 26-year-old did feature 38 times for Watford in the Championship while on loan there last season, but now looks set for a completely new adventure away from English football as he finalises a move to Brazil.

What makes the move even more bizarre is the fact he'll become the only non-South American in the Sao Paulo squad once he completes his move. Managed by Argentine boss Luis Zubeldia, former Tottenham Hotspur forward Lucas Moura is the only member of the team to have played in the Premier League. 

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - JULY 24: Lucas Moura of Sao Paulo takes a penalty kick during a match between Sao Paulo and Botafogo as part of Brasileirao Series A 2024 at MorumBIS on July 24, 2024 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Miguel Schincariol/Getty Images)

Lucas Moura is at Sao Paulo (Image credit: Getty Images)

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Ryan Dabbs
Staff writer

Ryan is a staff writer for FourFourTwo, joining the team full-time in October 2022. He first joined Future in December 2020, working across FourFourTwo, Golf Monthly, Rugby World and Advnture's websites, before eventually earning himself a position with FourFourTwo permanently. After graduating from Cardiff University with a degree in Journalism and Communications, Ryan earned a NCTJ qualification to further develop as a writer while a Trainee News Writer at Future.