Despite smashing Tottenham Hotspur in front of their home fans, Newcastle United have a hefty price to pay for the victory, due to their contractual obligations over the purchase of defender Lewis Hall.
The Magpies humiliated Spurs 4-0 at St James Park, with Alexander Isak netting a brace, while Anthony Gordon and Fabian Schar also got in on the act.
That victory has helped put Eddie Howe’s side in pole position to qualify for next season’s Europa League after they leapfrogged Manchester United into 6th position.
However, that impressive win meant that they are guaranteed to finish above 14th position on the Premier League log this season, and as such, they have activated the clause to sign Hall from Chelsea for £28 million.
Lewis Hall completed a loan move to Newcastle United when?
Lewis Hall joined Newcastle United on a season-long loan in August 2023, with an option to buy outrightly for £28 million, and an additional £7 million in add-ons.
The deal included performance-based conditions that needed to be met before the Englishman could begin accommodating the hopes of joining the Magpies permanently.
In December 2023, manager Howe was questioned on whether the conditions had been met, the former Bournemouth boss said:
“You’re probably asking the wrong man, I’m not 100 percent sure.”
Subsequently, a club official then intervened when Eddie Howe was quizzed directly if Hall would remain at Newcastle United beyond the 2023/24 season.
Eddie Howe on Lewis Hall
Giving his thoughts on the question, Howe said: “It’s not mine, for me, he’s here now, he’s a Newcastle player. But I think there’s certain criteria he has to meet.”
The 46-year-old added: “Lewis is a really talented player. He has huge technical qualities.
“He is creative and has very good final delivery. He’s a really good attacking full-back. He’s got certain things to learn defensively, which we’re working on with him.
“But he’s a young age and also recently converted to a left-back. There needs to be a little bit of understanding that he may take a little bit of time to get the defensive solidity that we’re looking for, but he’s a player of such high promise.”
Lewis Hall has made only 16 appearances this campaign, scoring 1 goal and providing no assist.
There are doubts about his ability to fit into Eddie Howe’s set-up, with the need for improvement needed in some facets of his game.
Hall came on in the dying embers of the cracking win over Ange Postecoglou’s side, replacing Harvey Barnes in the 88th minute.
Anyway, Newcastle United return to action on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, visiting Selhurst Park to play against Crystal Palace in a Matchday 29 Premier League affair.
Lewis Hall’s future still hangs in the balance, but it is expected that he remains at St James Park beyond the 2023/24 season, and he will also have to battle for a starting shirt in defense amongst several top names.
The 19-year-old functions as a left-back and he will have to contest against stars like Valentino Livramento, Matt Targett, and Daniel Burn for a place on the left side of defense.
