There is a fresh transfer development in a very busy summer at Chelsea with youngster Lewis Hall the subject of an offer from Newcastle United. A loan move had appeared more likely but the Blues may now consider letting the 18 year old leave on a permanent basis. Here’s a look at how much Lewis Hall is worth and how much Newcastle are willing to pay for his services.
Having initially joined Chelsea’s academy at Under 8 level in 2012, Hall got his chance in the first team last season, making 8 Premier League starts whilst also featuring in the EFL Cup and FA Cup. He has also been capped by England at Under 21 level and despite his roots in Southeast England, Hall is reportedly a Newcastle fan which may just help sweeten the prospect of a move to St James’ Park from the player’s perspective.
Market Value – How much is Lewis Hall worth?
Newcastle United have made a permanent offer for Chelsea defender Lewis Hall. 🚨
The offer is under consideration with Chelsea thought to value Hall in the region of £30m. 💰 pic.twitter.com/yrtf7WFNEl
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 17, 2023
Chelsea’s valuation of Hall is believed to be in the region of £30m. That’s perhaps slightly above his true market value which is hard to define given how young he is and how little he has experienced in terms of senior football.
Hall is capable of playing as a left-back or in midfield. However it’s hard to see how he would get regular game-time if he remained at Stamford Bridge this season, especially with the Blues not in Europe.
Chelsea are now really strong in midfield with many options that would limit Hall’s chances there while Ben Chilwell is clear as the first choice left-back. Marc Cucurella is also an option on that side while 21 year old Ian Maatsen is back at the club, having been named as the Championship’s best left-back during a very successful loan spell at Burnley. As a result, Hall would be far down the pecking order making some form of exit highly likely.
It was expected that the player would depart on loan with Fabrizio Romano reporting only last week that Hall would join Crystal Palace for the 2023/24 season. However the situation has moved on quite quickly with a permanent move to Newcastle now looking more likely.
Possible Newcastle transfer fee
Lewis Hall 🔥 #NUFC pic.twitter.com/JbmBaX9QmV
— ToonArmy (@toonarmy_com) August 17, 2023
According to The Telegraph, Newcastle have agreed a £28m deal to sign Lewis Hall with Chelsea believing the fee was simply too good to turn down as they attempt to balance the books following their latest dives into the transfer market which have included the British record signing of Moises Caicedo.
That would certainly represent an extremely high transfer fee for a player so inexperienced but Eddie Howe’s Newcastle have clearly seen something they like in the teenager.
Howe’s first choice left-back was Dan Burn last season and the 31 year old also started the opening day win against Aston Villa. A move for Hall would at the very least provide strong competition for Burn while it may also push Matt Targett towards the exit door with no real need for three players in the position, unless the Magpies are planning to utilise Hall in midfield.
Given the player is only 18, clearly Newcastle will also have one eye on the future when it comes to this deal. The transfer would mark a slight shift in their recruitment policy which has mostly focused on bringing in more established players with a proven track record since the Saudi takeover of the club in 2021.
