When Chelsea sanctioned the permanent exit of Lewis Hall to Newcastle United, many felt it was the wrong decision. Well, now it appears Chelsea themselves might regret that move, too.
Hall, 21, joined Newcastle on loan in the summer of 2023 from Chelsea after playing 12 times at senior level for the Blues. Still a teenager, Hall had a lot left to prove and was still regarded as a rookie.
Now a four-time England international, Hall only played 22 times during his loan stint at Newcastle but it was enough for Eddie Howe to be convinced. All of a sudden, Hall was a £35m player, joining Newcastle.
He hasn’t looked back. Now four games shy of a century in Newcastle’s black and white, Hall is largely considered one of the best left-backs in the Premier League and is set to go to the 2026 World Cup.
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Marc Cucurella discussing his future
Chelsea have realised their mistake. While a £35m fee for a player that had only played 12 times for the Blues tempted the hierarchy at the time, Hall turned potential into proven class. Chelsea want him back.
Chelsea are exploring a return for Lewis Hall: The situation
Marc Cucurella might have avoided an Enzo Fernandez-like punishment for his Barcelona comments, but it has made one thing clear. Cucurella is open to a summer exit, and Chelsea need to prepare for that.
According to Simon Phillips on his Substack channel, Chelsea are keeping tabs on Hall at Newcastle if Barcelona or any other side manages to lure Cucurella away from West London in the summer window.
Chelsea FC v Newcastle United - Premier League
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
While Chelsea have looked into it, Phillips does explain a deal is unlikely for Hall to return to Chelsea: “I’ve started to hear some whispers about Chelsea looking into possibly bringing Lewis Hall back to the club.
“Chelsea have a sell on clause in Hall’s contract but not buyback. However, it’s just something that Chelsea are exploring at the moment – with the situation of Marc Cucurella being up in the air.
“We’ve heard from other sources though that it is unlikely that Hall would consider returning to Chelsea at this moment, so I don’t expect anything to come of this one,” Phillips wrote this week, on his channel.
There aren’t many endorsements better than Ashley Cole
This season, Hall has gone from talent to one of England’s most in-form players. He’s clocked up 40 games in all competitions, had a hand in three goals and at St. James’ Park, kept Lamine Yamal quiet.
PROVE ME WRONG: Chelsea should never have let Newcastle sign Lewis Hall ⭐
Micah Richards would start him at the World Cup…
Able to dip into midfield as an inverted full-back, more than capable of going down the wing, or even just playing further forward, Hall is adding variety to his game. That, and he is a set-piece specialist as well.
While Ashley Cole told The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast that he would start Nico O’Reilly at the World Cup this summer, he did say that Hall has been “unbelievable”. High praise from the best.
Chelsea sold Hall for £35m, and he has since become one of the world’s best in his position. Now a fully-fledged part of the England side with three years left on his deal, a transfer fee would be enormous.
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