The transfer activity that Newcastle United has engaged in over the last few years has been scrutinised recently.
Paul Mitchell recorded an interview that has turned out to be quite controversial after Newcastle’s disastrous summer transfer season.
Seeking to disassociate himself from the events of the summer, he made an effort to correct the record. Mitchell expressed disapproval of Newcastle’s prior hiring strategy, which infuriated Dan Ashworth and Amanda Staveley.
Simon Jordan, meanwhile, characterised and referred to Mitchell’s remarks as “ridiculous.” It seems unjust to argue that Newcastle United overpaid for some targets; the Lewis Hall transaction is the only one that raises questions.
But ultimately, it all comes down to the £28 million man’s potential, and Monday night increased our optimism that he will realise it.
Newcastle’s Lewis Hall shines for England Under-21s
Lewis Hall started for England Under-21s on Monday night, as they faced Austria Under-21s at Kenilworth Road.
The young Three Lions won 4-1, with a brace from Morgan Rodgers and goals from James McAtee and Tom Fellows.
And two of those goals were set up by Hall, who played the full 90 minutes at left-back.
It was an impressive display from the Newcastle United defender, who won the player of the match award after the final whistle.
Following his performance, Hall received a huge amount of praise from journalist Henry Winter, who appeared to hint that the 20-year-old could go on to become a senior England international.
Winter wrote on X: “A left-footed left-back in an England representative side providing balance, defensive security and now two assists. Lewis Hall showing his potential.”
Left-back is a problem position for England as Newcastle youngster continues to develop
During the summer, England had a major problem at left-back. Luke Shaw was injured for most of Euro 2024, with Kieran Trippier having to play on his weaker side.
Elsewhere, Ben Chilwell is out of favour.
During Saturday’s 2-0 win over Republic of Ireland, Levi Colwill started on the left of defence. He is a talented player, but is more of a natural centre-back.
Henry Winter was impressed Hall’s assured display, hailing the youngster as a player with real ‘potential’.
He has improved so much since joining Newcastle last year, but still has a long way to go. While Winter has complimented his defensive performance, Hall still has a lot to learn when it comes to that side of the game.
But the important thing is he is definitely getting better, and should go on to get that senior England cap. And he could also go on to prove that the £28million transfer fee actually was money well spent, despite initial concerns.
