Despite his lack of game time since joining Newcastle United from Chelsea in the summer, Eddie Howe insists Lewis Hall is still a part of the club’s long-term plans.
The defender joined St James’ Park on loan in August, with an option to buy if certain criteria were met.
Despite the Magpies’ long injury list this season, Hall has only played 78 minutes of Premier League football and was put on the bench for Tuesday’s Carabao Cup elimination on penalties to parent club Chelsea.
Howe said on Friday, before of his team’s match against Luton Town on Saturday, “He’s settled in fine.” He’s doing well, but I believe we need to focus on certain aspects of his game. We are confident in his abilities and what he can add to the club.
“He does a lot of things behind the scenes, and we work with him on a daily basis.” He was brought in with an eye toward the present.
“My view would be a bit of patience with Lewis.”
“Absolutely,” the former Bournemouth manager said of Hall staying at Newcastle beyond the conclusion of the season. In terms of structure, his move is hard, and he hasn’t completely met the prerequisites. But he is in our long-term plans.”
Hall made his senior debut for Chelsea in an FA Cup rout of Chesterfield in January 2022, and he went on to make nine Premier League appearances for the Blues the following season, helping them finish 12th.
The 19-year-old has only made one league start this season, in a 2-0 loss at Bournemouth in November, when he was hooked at half-time. He had earlier scored his first goal for the club in the club’s 3-0 Carabao Cup victory over Manchester United before making his Champions League debut in a loss to Borussia Dortmund.
