Tim Krul believes his former club Newcastle United have sent out a “big statement” by extending Lewis Hall’s contract.
A summer of significant change at St James’ Park saw Eddie Howe step down as head coach and Matthias Jaissle take over, while the sales of Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes helped fund a major squad rebuild, with all eight new signings aged 24 or under.
Hall was also subject to interest from Manchester United, but the Magpies made it clear that he was not for sale to the Red Devils or any club for that matter before rewarding him with a new five-year contract earlier this month.
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The 22-year-old has played a crucial role in Newcastle’s solid start to the campaign, providing two assists and scoring his first goal at St James’ Park in last weekend’s 2-1 win over Hull City. Jaissle’s side have lost just one of their opening five Premier League matches, picking up eight points from a possible 15 and reaching the last 16 of the Carabao Cup.
Krul has been impressed by Jaissle’s impact so far and believes Hall’s new contract provides further evidence of the club’s positive direction following a transitional few months.
"There's a lot of respect that has to go to Eddie Howe, because he brought the trophy to Newcastle that everybody had been waiting for all those years,” Krul told Flashscore. “I rate Eddie Howe very highly, so it's a hard act to follow.
“But Jaissle has started really well. I like his press conferences and the way he conducts himself. I feel like the team is responding really well to him. [Wissa] looks like a fresh new player, because he had a really tricky start last season. The spirit looks good.
“The club is going through a transitional time, but there's some positive news coming out with new training grounds and potentially new stands or a new stadium. And extending Lewis Hall's contract is a big statement, because he's one of the most exciting talents in that team."
Newcastle United make 'big statement' by agreeing deal after failed Manchester United swoop
Newcastle United make 'big statement' by agreeing deal after failed Manchester United swoop