'I want to come...' - Defender makes Newcastle United transfer admission after £28m deal triggered

Lewis Hall has opened up on his early struggles at Newcastle United this season.

The 19-year-old joined The Magpies on loan from Chelsea for the 2023-24 season but made just one start in the opening 29 games of the Premier League season. But Hall has recently become a regular in Eddie Howe’s side with five starts in the last seven league matches.

Newcastle will trigger an obligation to make Hall’s loan move permanent at the end of the season for £28million. And the left-back believes his difficult spell at the start of the season has actually helped him progress.

“Looking back on it, it’s made me a lot stronger mentally than before,” Hall told the club website. “When I first came, if I’m being honest, I’m not sure I was myself when on the pitch.

“I wasn’t at the level I could’ve been at in training. That comes from travelling so far from home and living on your own.

“It was difficult. As training went on, I started to show signs of improvement. The gaffer and all the coaches were helping me.

“After a few months, I felt like I was developing a rhythm in training and then it was [just] patiently waiting for my opportunity.”

“[Training under Eddie Howe] is incredibly difficult - a lot harder than I thought it would be. Tactically and technically, you have to be superb and know exactly what he wants you to do.

“It took me a while to adapt but I’m grateful for everything now.”

Reflecting on his upcoming summer transfer, Hall added: “There’s a potential price tag at the end of the season. With me not playing, I could understand why fans, naturally, wondered what was going on.

“But for me, I’ve left that down to people behind the scenes. I want to help the team in whatever way I can.

“I want to come back to pre-season sharp and, hopefully, next season, I can impact the team from the start,” Hall added. “I want to get as many minutes as I can to get to the very best level.

“I believe in myself and the gaffer has told me all the qualities I have. It’s about doing it consistently, with the right attitude, and always staying grounded.”