Newcastle United had to think outside of the box to sign Lewis Hall last summer.
He was the final player to sign for Newcastle United last summer, as part of a recruitment drive that also included Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes and Tino Livramento.
The Magpies spent big on that trio, meaning it was difficult to finance a deal for a left-back. There were rumours regarding the likes of Marc Cucurella and Kieran Tierney, but it ended up being Lewis Hall that arrived.
Newcastle brought him in on loan from Chelsea, with that deal including an obligation to buy for £28million if certain criteria was met. He is now a permanent Toon player, and is starting to realise his potential.
Newcastle aiming to sign a centre-back and a winger
Getting Hall on loan and signing him permanently a year later was a clever way to get around the PSR situation ahead of June 30th, and it is a trick that Newcastle could pull again as we edge closer to the 2024 summer transfer window closing.
The Magpies are trying to sign a centre-back currently, with Marc Guehi’s move to Newcastle suddenly looking more likely.
After that, attention will turn to a winger. Eddie Howe needs an upgrade on Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy, but there have been fears that no one will arrive.
Keith Downie shares exciting update on Newcastle’s winger search
However, that could change following an update from Sky Sports’ Keith Downie.
He has appeared on the Fully Loaded Transfer Show on YouTube, and has shared details on Newcastle possibly signing a winger before the transfer window closes.
“I did receive a call today about a potential move for a winger,” he said.
“They are actively looking to bring in a right winger. I know there have been questions that they might not do it, but I think there has been a realisation [that they need to bring someone in].”
Downie added: “I still don’t think they’ll go out and spend £40million or £50million on a winger. I still think if they are to get one in, from what I’m hearing, I think it’s likely to be a loan with an obligation to buy – like the Lewis Hall deal.”
Newcastle could repeat Lewis Hall trick
Downie has stated that he has been told that Newcastle are looking to do a deal for a winger, but had to keep the name of the player who Toon officials are targeting a secret. However, he did share that it is a player that has already been linked with a move to Newcastle United.
He also suggests it could be a loan with an obligation to buy in the future, which would allow Newcastle to stretch their budget a bit further. It would mean they are not necessarily reliant on players being sold before August 30th, which could be difficult.
Kieran Trippier continues to be linked with leaving, while Newcastle did try to sell Miguel Almiron to Charlotte FC earlier this summer.
The fear was that Almiron would need to go to make room for another winger, but Downie suggests that might not be the case.
That is very exciting, as it is vital that another attacker joins the club before August 30th. Hopefully Newcastle can wrap up the Guehi deal as soon as possible, as that will give the Magpies as much time as possible to go all in on trying to sign a winger.
One year after the Lewis Hall deal, most fans will agree that it was a smart bit of business from Newcastle United. Hopefully it also proves to be the case with the winger that is being targeted.
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