Keith Downie has provided an update on Newcastle United’s pursuit of Chelsea teenager Lewis Hall.
The last 24 hours at Newcastle United has been dominated by the news that the club are close to agreeing a deal with Chelsea for their exciting 18-year-old left-back Lewis Hall.
Newcastle fans have been crying out for a left-back all summer and now they could be close to getting their wish in the form one of the Premier League‘s most exciting young talents in that position.
Keith Downie expects Hall to be announced this weekend
Downie gave his update to Sky Sports News this morning saying (via Football Daily): “We’ve been reporting for the last 48 hours or so that Newcastle are in advanced talks for the Chelsea teenager Lewis Hall. He can play at left-back he can also play in central midfield as well.
“I’d heard whisperings of his name during the summer as well. I actually watched him, I was over in America with both Chelsea and Newcastle in the Premier League Summer Series and watched him train a number of times and actually be involved against Newcastle in a friendly and I remember thinking “Oh that’s the lad that made his debut, I’ve heard a bit about him”.
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“He actually grew up a Newcastle supporter as well so he does have connections with the football club. We do expect that one to be announced if not today then over the weekend. It’s a loan with an obligation to buy, it’s my understanding it’s a loan for about £28million with that deferred payment left until next summer, Newcastle are right at the top of their Financial Fair Play restrictions.”
If it all goes through then at £28million Hall would become Newcastle’s ninth most expensive signing of all time behind Sven Botman at £35million and ahead of Chris Wood and Joe Willock at £25million.
That’s a lot of money for an 18-year-old with so little Premier League experience – just nine appearances. However, we live in a world where Moises Caicedo who has had one season in the Premier League has sold for £115million so what even is market value these days?
Will Lewis Hall take Dan Burn’s place in the Starting XI?
Besides, in those nine games, which started with a debut against Newcastle, Hall has shown a raw talent that Eddie Howe will be able to nurture into something magnificent.
Where Hall will land on the left-back pecking order remains to be seen, but for those games where a pacey full-back is needed to get up and down the pitch, he’ll be the man for the job over Dan Burn and Matt Targett.
Hopefully Newcastle can get this deal announced today and use the good feelings it will bring as a way of lifting everyone for the huge game against Manchester City tomorrow.