It has come out of the blue, but Newcastle United and Eddie Howe have surprisingly parted ways, and it hands Chelsea a real chance to sign a priority target.
Chelsea are enjoying a summer of positivity and excitement. Optimism is back after a dismal 2025-26 due to the appointment of Xabi Alonso and signings Morgan Rogers, Marco Palestra and Maxence Lacroix.
RATE 1-10: Lacroix confirmed, how good is Chelsea’s £52m deal? 🔥
It is still early and entirely hypothetical, but Chelsea fans are confident of a good season under their new manager. BlueCo have changed their ways, and Alonso seems to be calling the shots behind the scenes.
But over at Newcastle, things could not be more different. Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon have left, Bruno Guimaraes looks set for Arsenal, and now, Eddie Howe has left the club after five years in charge.
READ MORE:What Maxence Lacroix thinks about Chelsea’s deal to sign Morgan Rogers
What must Lewis Hall be thinking as Newcastle collapse
Gary Lineker described Lewis Hall as England’s best left-back recently, yet he did not get a call-up to play for England at the World Cup. At Newcastle, he must be questioning what is happening with the Toon.
Not only have Newcastle lost two key players and are set to lose a third, but the long-term manager has gone. A couple of big exits might have been dealt with, but losing Howe will see big players depart.
Fulham v Newcastle United - Premier League
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Hall will surely be questioning whether to remain at Newcastle or move on, after such a dismal couple of months. Typically, it could work for Chelsea. The Blues sold Hall for £28m in 2024 after an initial loan.
But with Chelsea requiring a left-back, reports say that Chelsea would ‘really like’ Hall back at Stamford Bridge this summer. With Howe gone, Hall will surely be closer to the exit door than ever before.
The left-back situation at Chelsea as things stand
The Blues need to sign a left-sided defender, but talks for Pep Chavarria are stalling. Ray Vallecano want his full release clause, worth £42.4m. Currently, Jorrel Hato is Chelsea’s best, but is better as a centre-back.
Who would you rather see at left-back next season, Jorrel Hato or Lewis Hall?
Hall is being linked with a return to Chelsea following Marc Cucurella's move to Real Madrid 🇪🇸
Split image of Chelsea's Jorrel Hato and Newcastle United's Lewis Hall
Credit: Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside/Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Landon Emenalo has impressed during pre-season, while Aaron Anselmino came on as a substitute as a left-back during the 6-4 win over Western Sydney. Marco Palestra can also operate as a left-back.
Chelsea need a left-back, and Chavarria remains an option. Plenty have been linked, like Maxi Araujo and Alvaro Carreras, but Hall is ideal. If Howe’s exit sees Hall consider his future, Chelsea must make a bid.
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