Eddie Howe is preparing for Chelsea loanee Lewis Hall to remain at Newcastle United “for many years” and expects the teenager to make his move permanent this summer.
Eddie Howe has revealed that he is preparing for Chelsea loanee Lewis Hall to remain at Newcastle United “for many years”.
After nine years at Stamford Bridge, Hall completed a season-long loan move to the Magpies in August last year which includes an obligation to buy for an initial £28m plus £7m in add-ons.
The 19-year-old, a boyhood Newcastle fan, will complete a permanent switch to St James’ Park if performance-related criteria are met.
Those exact terms have yet to be disclosed to the public, and after seven month at Newcastle, Hall has started only four of his 11 appearances in all competitions, while he has only featured for 12 minutes across two substitute outings since the turn of the year.
Nevertheless, Howe expects Hall to join the Magpies permanently at the end of the season and insists that the youngster was recruited by the club as a “long-term” signing.
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Discussing Hall’s situation at a press conference on Friday ahead of Newcastle’s Premier League trip to Chelsea next Monday, Howe said: “In terms of my thinking, I’m preparing for Lewis to be at Newcastle for many years.
“He was always brought in with a long-term view, not as a short-term signing. He is a long-term signing.
“We have always believed in him and his quality and we have been working really hard with him on his game. He’s a really talented lad.
“He’s got a couple of things to continue working on as all the players have. I believe in him. My vision for him is he will be at Newcastle for many years.”
Asked if the criteria in Hall’s deal has been reached, Howe said: “I don’t think it has quite happened yet but hopefully it will do very soon.”
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“Yes, I think [he will join permanently this summer] and that’s why I said I’m preparing long term for him to be here,” Howe added. “I’m delighted with that because he has many qualities we are looking for.
“Sometimes, and I know it’s a rare commodity these days, we just need some patience. We just need to wait to develop players. There’s no magic wand, but time and good work on the training pitch. Players develop at different speeds, but we’re delighted with the progress he’s made.
“When you look at someone of that age moving away from home – regardless of the fact they’re a footballer – you can’t underestimate the challenges that come with that. He’s handled himself really well and it’s been a season of growth for him although the external view would not necessarily have seen that.
“We have seen that internally so it’s been a really powerful, positive year for him. A lot of work has been put into him and I do believe in him long term.”
Hall is ineligible for next Monday’s Premier League clash with parent club Chelsea, who sit 11th in the table and four points behind Newcastle in eighth spot.
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