Our view: Newcastle had an exciting deal lined up – but they were right to cancel it

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Newcastle United landed something of a coup this week, bringing in defender Jamal Lewis from Norwich City.

The Magpies have had issues in the left back spot in recent years, with loanees Antonio Barreca, Jetro Willems and Danny Rose failing to earn permanent deals.

Lewis, 22, now arrives having impressed with Norwich City last season, and Newcastle have invested £15million in him.

The Northern Ireland international should now not only be Newcastle’s first-choice left back this season, but also for years to come.

Intriguingly though, Lewis wasn’t the only left back Newcastle targeted, as they also lined up a deal to sign Sassuolo’s Rogerio.

Gianluca Di Marzio reported on Friday that Rogerio’s move was almost done, before Fabrizio Romano claimed on Tuesday night that the deal has been cancelled.

Rogerio did look like an exciting target. He showed promise in Italy, displaying pace and attacking ability, whilst he has plenty of untapped potential at 22 years of age.

The Brazilian has plenty of flair and technical ability for a left back, but it feels like Newcastle have made the right decision here.

Lewis has a season of Premier League experience under his belt, and whilst he may not be as exciting going forward as Rogerio, he is much better defensively – even to the point of playing at centre back when needed.

Newcastle aren’t about to be expansive and free-flowing going forward, so Lewis fits Steve Bruce’s style better whilst being the same age and with the know-how of English football.

Signing both Lewis and Rogerio would have been a little needless, as spending nearly £30million on two left backs just wasn’t needed. When it came to Lewis or Rogerio, Newcastle have made the right choice.