Newcastle United have completed the signing of teenager Lewis Hall from Chelsea.
The 18-year-old joins the Magpies on an initial season-long loan deal which includes an obligation to make the transfer permanent next summer "based on performance-related criteria" for a fee which could allegedly rise to around £35m.
Hall will wear the No.20 shirt and becomes Eddie Howe's fifth signing of the summer transfer window after Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes, Valentino Livramento and Yankuba Minteh.
Earlier this summer, Hall appeared to be close to penning a new long-term contract with Chelsea before finalising a loan move to Crystal Palace, but the youngster has instead opted to complete a dream move to boyhood club Newcastle.
Speaking to Newcastle's official website on his arrival at the club, Hall said: "I'm very proud. Me and my family are Newcastle fans, and for me and my brother growing up, it was drilled into us that we were Newcastle. It's a big club and I can't wait to get started.
Newcastle United.
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) August 22, 2023
It's in your blood. pic.twitter.com/gbIg7hggdP
"I got a lot of experience last year in some big fixtures and I was really proud of the way I progressed as a player and a person. To now be here at Newcastle, the club that I've supported since I was a kid, I'm honoured and very proud to wear this shirt.
"It's very exciting. When you look back on last season and the way the team performed – not just the results, but the performances the team were putting in – it was amazing.
"There's so many talented players and we've got the Champions League now as well so there's many different competitions that I know the team will be wanting to do well in, and hopefully get a trophy or two as well."
Howe added: "I'm delighted to welcome Lewis to Newcastle United. He is a player we have tracked closely, as have a number of clubs, so it's very pleasing to secure him and to add a player of his quality, versatility and high potential to our squad.
"I'd like to thank everyone involved for their tireless work to bring in the players we have.
"A lot of time, effort and resource goes into a transfer window, but we have a real togetherness at all levels here and I appreciate that teamwork and support."
🤝 Welcome to Newcastle United, Lewis Hall!
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) August 22, 2023
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Hall began his career in Chelsea's academy, joining at the age of eight in 2012, and he worked his way through the club's youth system before making his senior debut under former boss Thomas Tuchel in January 2022.
The England Under-21 international was named Chelsea's Academy Player of the Year last season and made a total of 11 first-team appearances, including eight Premier League starts.
Hall primarily operated as either a left-back or left wing-back at Chelsea, but he can also play furher forward on the left wing, and he is expected to provide competition for the likes of Dan Burn and Matt Targett for a place in Howe's starting lineup.
Hall could be available to make his Newcastle debut in Sunday's Premier League contest against Liverpool at St James' Park.
Oliver Thomas
