LONDON: Lewis Hall has joined Newcastle on a season-long loan from Chelsea with the option for a permanent deal for the defender, the northeast side announced Tuesday.
The clubs have been in talks over a move for the 18-year-old academy graduate, with Newcastle reportedly offering £28 million ($36 million, 33 million euros) to their Premier League rivals.
Hall signed a new six-year contract to stay at Stamford Bridge earlier in August but Newcastle’s interest has led Chelsea to part with a defender who made 11 first-team appearances last season, including nine in the Premier League.
“Boyhood Newcastle fan Hall told the Magpies’ website: “I’m very proud. Me and my family are Newcastle fans, and for me and my brother growing up, it was drilled into us that we were Newcastle. It’s a big club and I can’t wait to get started.
“I got a lot of experience last year in some big fixtures and I was really proud of the way I progressed as a player and a person. To now be here at Newcastle, the club that I’ve supported since I was a kid, I’m honoured and very proud to wear this shirt.”
He added: “It’s very exciting. When you look back on last season and the way the team performed -- not just the results, but the performances the team were putting in -- it was amazing.
“There’s so many talented players and we’ve got the Champions League now as well so there’s many different competitions that I know the team will be wanting to do well in, and hopefully get a trophy or two as well.” -AFP
