Chelsea have put 18-year-old talent Lewis Hall up for sale amidst interest from Newcastle United, according to a report.
The Blues have focused on signing young talent since Todd Boehly bought the club from Roman Abramovich, but they appear to be open to letting one of their most promising youngsters leave.
Boehly’s first window at the helm saw the additions of experienced players like Kalidou Koulibaly, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Raheem Sterling but there was a clear attempt to build for the future with the signings of Wesley Fofana and Carney Chukwuemeka.
The American billionaire took charge of the club’s recruitment process last summer but Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley have since joined and have helped bring in a large amount of promising youngsters.
Joao Felix, 23, was Chelsea’s oldest recruit in January, and he only joined on loan. This summer, they have signed three 25-year-olds but every other addition has been 22, 21, or a teenager.
Perhaps trying to take a leaf out of Arsenal and Mikel Arteta’s book, the Blues will hope all of these young signings will help them become a European powerhouse after a difficult 12 months.
Mauricio Pochettino is the right man to lead this new era at Stamford Bridge, though it has to be said it is quite surprising to see news that Hall is up for sale.
The 18-year-old would be a superb pick-up for Newcastle, who are still in the market for a left-back despite signing versatile full-back Tino Livramento.
Hall can also play in midfield and has done through the youth ranks in west London.
Perhaps a good option for Arsenal following the injury to Jurrien Timber, Chelsea are ‘seeking’ £30million for Hall, according to The Telegraph.
Chelsea apparently view the sale as ‘crucial revenue’ as they ‘battle financial fair play rules’.
Pochettino’s side feel under ‘pressure’ to raise money from player sales after spending around £900m in a year and offloading a youth product is seen as ‘pure profit’.
Going into the summer transfer window, Chelsea had aimed to loan Hall out with Crystal Palace interested.
A loan remains a possibility if the Blues cannot receive a ‘suitable fee’, the report adds.
It is added that Hall has ‘agreed’ a new seven-year contract, which is yet to be signed. According to Transfermarkt, the teenager’s current deal expires in 2026.
Newcastle’s ‘interest’ is barely mentioned but over at iNews, it is claimed Magpies boss Eddie Howe has put Hall ‘top’ of his transfer shortlist.
This report says Newcastle ‘have made enquiries’ and would be willing to sign the teenager on a permanent basis or on loan with an obligation to buy.
Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney has been linked with a move to St James’ Park all summer and he was expected to have left the Gunners by now, and iNews adds that the Scot is ‘another possibility’.
While Pochettino is expected to give plenty of opportunities to his best teenage players, Hall has to compete with Ben Chilwell, Marc Cucurella and Ian Maatsen for a left-back spot.
Should Hall move to Newcastle, Dan Burn will likely revert back into a central role in Howe’s back four having performed well as a left-back.
The reaction from Chelsea fans on social media has been interesting to see. It is safe to say they are not happy.
