Another game has gone by with Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe choosing to leave Lewis Hall on the bench.
The 19-year-old was surprisingly eligible to play against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night, but was an unused substitute on his return to Stamford Bridge.
That is despite the fact that the Newcastle players were visibly shattered once again. The likes of Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson clearly could have done with coming off, but they were forced to stay on.
It is the latest setback for Lewis Hall, who is struggling for minutes since his move from Chelsea to Newcastle. He is currently on loan, but the deal is set to become permanent in the summer for £28million.
The teenager has made just four starts for the club so far, and on three of those occasions he was replaced at half time.
What Eddie Howe has said about Lewis Hall this week
There is a lot of concern from fans about Hall’s future, with many curious to know exactly why the youngster is not being used by Howe.
The Toon boss spoke to the media about Hall ahead of the game against Luton Town on Saturday, admitting that he does have a long-term future at St James’ Park.
“Absolutely [he has a long-term future here],” he said.
His transfer is slightly complicated in terms of structure so hasn’t quite hit the requirements but he’s definitely part of plans.”
Keith Downie shares update on Newcastle signing Lewis Hall from Chelsea
Howe is obviously referring to the option or obligation Newcastle have to buy Hall, which is based on performance-related criteria. It is unclear what that criteria is, with most people assuming it would be based on the number of appearances he makes.
However, an update from Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie states that is not the case.
Downie wrote about Hall on X: “My understanding is that Hall’s transfer becoming permanent is unrelated to appearances.”
According to Downie, it does not matter how much or how little Hall plays for Newcastle. He could play every minute of every game, and it will have no impact on the deal becoming permanent.
That raises more questions than answers, and Downie added on a video on his YouTube channel that the criteria might relate to something like Newcastle staying in the Premier League. So it would be the team’s performance rather than Hall himself.
The situation surrounding Hall is becoming noisier and noisier, but patience is required. It is frustrating that he is not playing, but his time will come. He is still extremely young, and barely has any senior experience.
Hall has a huge amount of potential – Newcastle would not have signed him if he didn’t. He might not be up to the required standard right now, but that will change over time.
