There’s been a one-way door at St James’ Park in the last 12 months. The exit door has continued to swing open in the most ruthless fashion, whilst the entrance acts like a trap door for targets to fall into the grasp of rival clubs.
It’s the stuff of nightmares for Newcastle United.
Things aren’t set to get any better, either. Bruno Guimaraes’ exit stance hasn’t changed and Lewis Hall is seemingly about to add to their woes.
The left-back fell out with Eddie Howe at the end of last season, before his England exclusion made matters worse.
Now, Manchester United and Arsenal are both interested in snapping up his signature and taking full advantage of Newcastle’s vulnerability this summer.
Only one fullback made more recoveries per game than Hall in the Premier League last season and that should be music to Michael Carrick‘s ears.
The Man United manager had his side playing at a new intensity both in and out of possession last season and winning the ball back quickly is very much part of his philosophy. Hall would do exactly that as a modern-day, flying fullback.
Arsenal are also ones to watch. Now that Mikel Arteta has finally won the Premier League, there’s every chance that his style becomes less pragmatic. That would open the door to more attacking fullback options rather than natural centre-backs out wide like Riccardo Calafiori.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
Hall wants to be a guaranteed starter at Newcastle or he’s heading for the exit door. Whether Howe’s willing to meet that demand is now the big question. As Man United aim to replace an ageing Luke Shaw and Arsenal set their sights on a reinforcement in their backline, their interest certainly makes sense. |
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Finances |
The fact that Hall’s current contract doesn’t run out until 2029 should hand Newcastle the chance to demand a hefty price this summer. The £100m sale of Sandro Tonali proves that the Magpies are having no issues demanding huge fees for their star men. |
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Insight |
It seemed absurd when Hall lost his place at St James’ Park last season. He pocketed Lamine Yamal just weeks before that in the first leg of Newcastle’s Champions League tie against Barcelona and is still one of the best left-backs in England. |
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Impact |
Newcastle are already desperately scrambling to find at least one midfielder, so Hall’s departure would only compound their misery. The last thing they need is to add another left-back to their list of priorities. |
Hall issues Newcastle exit demands
Speaking to The United Stand this week, Ben Jacobs shared an update on the future of the Newcastle defender, revealing that Hall wants to be a starter or will look to move this summer.
“Lewis Hall will speak to Eddie Howe and the Newcastle hierarchy, and it’s NEW DEAL or SALE? The player is aware of formative interest, Lewis Hall either wants to be a starter for Newcastle or SOMEWHERE ELSE.”
Football FanCast sources understand the demand will be even clearer than that – Hall wants to join Manchester United despite interest from a host of top Premier League clubs, including Arsenal.
The Englishman will formally demand a transfer to Old Trafford in sit-down talks with the manager and owners if not guranteed that first-choice role.
Man Utd and Arsenal also want Bruno Guimaraes
It’s almost like a closing down sale at Newcastle, that’s how many players they’re on track to lose. The most public as of right now is Guimaraes. The Brazilian has handed in a transfer request, leaving both United and Arsenal on high-alert.
Reports have claimed that Arsenal have already contacted the Magpies over a deal to sign their midfield star, though negotiations are yet to get underway after suggestions the Gunners were misled by the player’s agents over the possible fee.
Indeed, earlier suggestions that Guimaraes could come cheap have been rubbished. Those at St James’ Park will instead begin negotiations at a hefty £75m and could demand closer to the fee Tottenham paid for Tonali.
