Chelsea have now decided to sell Lewis Hall to Newcastle after the Magpies made an offer Todd Boehly could not refuse.
That is according to the Telegraph.
So, what is the latest on Lewis Hall at Chelsea? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, it is said that Chelsea had agreed a new six-year contract with the 18-year-old.
The initial plan was to then send Hall on loan to Crystal Palace with a view to the teenager fulfilling his vast potential at Stamford Bridge in future.
Now – however – the Chelsea No.67 is joining Newcastle on a permanent basis.
The Telegraph believe Chelsea had no intention whatsoever of selling the England Under-19 international this summer.
However, after being pushed into paying a British record £115m transfer fee for Moises Caicedo by Liverpool’s £111m bid, the Blues need to balance the books.
The Telegraph explain how Chelsea felt the £28m offer from Newcastle was too good to refuse in the current climate, and a shock exit for Hall is now imminent.
It represents a major U-turn from the Blues, who initially seemed intent on keeping the Slough-born wonderkid around for many years.
Losing Lewis Hall to Newcastle is bad news for Chelsea
Finally getting Caicedo over the line surely pleased thousands of Chelsea fans, but having to lose Hall as a result puts a slight stain on that deal.
The Chelsea academy graduate is an outstanding footballer who seems destined for the very top – there’s a reason why Eddie Howe is paying £28m for a player with just nine Premier League appearances to his name.
Hall can operate at left-back or in central midfield, and according to The Athletic, his technical ability left Thomas Tuchel seriously impressed.
Frank Lampard was also left dazzled by Hall’s skills, calling him a “quality” player after taking the reins from Graham Potter midway through last season.
Hopefully, Chelsea have negotiated a buyback clause or a huge sell-on fee, as we expect Hall to reach the very top.
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