Chelsea get Lewis Hall revenge with stunning €150m Newcastle raid

Tom Weber

Updated: 8 Mar 2024 16:15 GMT
4 min read

Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea, Eddie Howe, Newcastle — © IMAGO

Lewis Hall's loan from Chelsea to Newcastle is on the verge of becoming permanent, but the Blues could get revenge in the summer.

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Eyebrows were raised when Chelsea allowed the versatile youngster, who can feature at left-back and in midfield, to join Newcastle on a loan deal that could become permanent if the 19-year-old reaches certain performance thresholds. Hall had been the only bright spot in what was otherwise a dreadful season for Chelsea last term.

As confirmed by Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, a permanent transfer of the teenager is close to being triggered, meaning that Chelsea, who, ironically, are now in the market for a left-back, could lose out on one of the biggest talents of his generation. Despite this, the Blues could yet have the last laugh.

According to an HITC report, which reiterates that the Blues are willing to offload star midfielder Conor Gallagher, Chelsea have been 'impressed' with Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes. TEAMtalk, meanwhile, asserts that defender Sven Botman has emerged as a top target for the Stamford Bridge side.

© IMAGO - Bruno Guimaraes and Sven Botman

Chelsea eye Newcastle duo

It is believed that Newcastle could be forced into at least one big sale in the summer due to their Financial Fair Play issues. Standout midfielder Guimaraes looks primed to be one of the main candidates to flush funds into the Magpies' coffers, with the Brazilian already heavily linked with a move away in previous transfer windows.

Guimaraes boasts a release clause in the region of €117 million, so he won't come cheap. As for Botman, it is unclear how much he could cost. The Dutchman arrived at St. James' Park for €37m, so he too will likely be anything but a bargain should Chelsea come calling.

The problem is that Chelsea themselves have FFP issues. In fact, they face a financial nightmare if their recent accounts are anything to go by. This could lead to a summer fire sale, casting doubt on their ability to spend lavishly in yet another transfer window.

Given that Victor Osimhen, who will likely cost €130m, is their summer priority, Chelsea may lack the funds to get revenge on Newcastle for Lewis Hall's departure.