Lewis Hall has opened up on leaving Chelsea to join Newcastle
Reece James of Chelsea hugs former team-mate Lewis Hall of Newcastle United
Chelsea's Reece James hugs former team-mate Lewis Hall of Newcastle United(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
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Newcastle United defender Lewis Hall believes Chelsea were 'unbelievable' for his development but believes his move to St James' Park has worked out perfectly.
Hall joined Newcastle from Chelsea on an initial loan move in the summer of 2023 and he joined the club on a permanent basis last summer.
In that time he has become an England international and has established himself as one of Newcastle's most important starters.
But it was Chelsea that nurtured his talent and it was the Blues that handed him his professional debut. Ahead of Saturday's 2-2 draw between the two sides, Hall was full of praise for both his former employers and his current ones.
"The club was unbelievable for me, but I think I left at the perfect time," Hall told the matchday programme.
"The direction that this club wants to go in, how everything was unfolding at Chelsea at the time, it was the right time for me to come here.
"The way Chelsea wanted to go forward with lots and lots of young talent, it was best for my career that I made this move and I think it has panned out really well for me.
"Obviously having family connections to Newcastle was a really big factor. But everything footballing-wise had to be right as well. I really believed in it at the time and I think it's worked out perfectly.
"I've achieved a lot of things which I don't think I would have been able to achieve if I would have stayed there. But Chelsea has played a massive part in helping me to be that player that got the move in the first place and I'm always grateful for that."
Hall returned to the side after missing Wednesday's Carabao Cup quarter-final with a hamstring complaint and he is hopeful he can remain fit for the rest of the season and earn a place in England's World Cup squad next summer.
"Obviously staying fit for the rest of the season is an important one for me," Hall added.
"I always pride myself on being fit and available as much as possible so having that long term injury was frustrating. I've only ever really had two injuries and touch wood that continues so hopefully I can stay fit.
"From a team perspective, it would be nice to qualify for the round of 16 in the Champions League, that would be a big moment for the club.
"Getting to the Champions League spots as well is an aim for the squad. Maybe even getting another trophy as well in one of the competitions.
"We've got the World Cup next summer so that's a big aim for me to be in that squad as well. There's a lot to work hard for and a lot to look forward to."
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