There has been a one-way door at St James’ Park for the past 12 months. The exit door has continued to open more aggressively, while the door has become a rival door for targets to fall into the clutches of rival clubs.
It’s the stuff of nightmares for Newcastle United.
Things are not set to get better. Bruno Guimaraes’ exit status has not changed and Lewis Hall looks set to add to their woes.
The left-back clashed with Eddie Howe at the end of last season, before his dismissal from England became more difficult.
Now, Manchester United and Arsenal are both interested in his signature and making the most of Newcastle’s vulnerability this summer.
Only one defender made more recoveries per game than Hall in the Premier League last season and that must be music to Michael Carrick’s ears.
The Man United boss had his squad playing with new energy on and off the ball last season and getting the ball back quickly is a big part of his philosophy. Hall will do just that as a modern, flying game.
Arsenal are also one to watch. Now that Mikel Arteta has finally won the Premier League, there is a good chance that his style will diminish. That will open the door to more attacking full back options than natural wide defenders like Riccardo Calafiori.
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Football FanCast verdict |
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Honesty |
Hall wants to be a proven starter at Newcastle or face the exit door. Whether Howe is willing to meet that demand is now the big question. With Man United aiming to replace the aging Luke Shaw and Arsenal setting their sights on strengthening their back line, their interest makes sense. |
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Finance |
The fact that Hall’s current contract does not expire until 2029 should give Newcastle the opportunity to demand a higher price this summer. The £100m sale of Sandro Tonali proves that the Magpies have no problems chasing big bucks for their star men. |
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Understanding |
It seemed absurd when Hall lost his place at St James’ Park last season. He pocketed Lamine Yamal a few weeks earlier in Newcastle’s Champions League first leg against Barcelona and is now one of England’s best left-backs. |
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Impact |
Newcastle are already desperate to land at least one midfielder, so Hall’s departure would compound their woes. The last thing they need is to add another left back to their list of priorities. |
Hall issues demands to get out of Newcastle
Speaking to the United Stand this week, Ben Jacobs shared an update on the Newcastle defender’s future, revealing that Hall wants to be a starter or will look at a move this summer.
“Lewis Hall will talk to Eddie Howe and the management of Newcastle, and NEW or SALE? The player knows about the interest in building, Lewis Hall wants to be the starter for Newcastle or elsewhere.”
Football FanCast sources understand that the demand will be even more clear than that – Hall wants to join Manchester United despite interest from a number of top Premier League clubs, including Arsenal.
The England man will officially demand a move to Old Trafford in talks with the manager and owners if that starting role is not approved.
Man Utd and Arsenal also want Bruno Guimaraes
It’s almost like closing a sale at Newcastle, that’s how many players are on their way out. The most popular right now is Guimaraes. The Brazilian has put in a transfer request, leaving United and Arsenal on guard.
Reports claim that Arsenal have already been linked with the Magpies over a deal to sign their star midfielder, although talks are still ongoing after suggestions the Gunners were misled by the player’s agents over a potential fee.
Indeed, earlier suggestions that Guimaraes could be cheap have been dismissed. Those at St James’ Park will begin negotiations for a whopping £75m and would want to approach the amount paid for Tonali by Tonali.
