- Lewis Hall is subject of interest from FC Barcelona
- Reports suggest he is part of a three man shortlist for Barca’s left back position
- Newcastle reluctant to sell and eyeing new contract for Hall
Spanish giants Barcelona have reportedly added Lewis Hall to their list of targets ahead of this summer’s transfer window.
The 21-year-old has had an exceptional campaign despite Newcastle’s struggles and has emerged as England’s number one left-back option for the World Cup.
Barcelona have a list of three fullbacks they will target this summer, with Hall joining Juventus’ Andrea Cambiaso and Leverkusen’s Alejandro Grimaldo on the wishlist.
Barcelona impressed by Hall
Blaugrana staff have been privy to the brilliance of Lewis Hall in a big way this season. The England international featured heavily in both legs of the Champions League round of 16 tie between the two clubs.
Hall almost entirely nullified Lamine Yamal throughout the first leg. His steely 1v1 defending and comfort level on the ball wowed the Catalan club to no end.
The second was rather abhorrent for the entire Magpies cohort. But Hall was one of the few who could come away from the Camp Nou with some pride despite the 7-2 defeat.
Barca reportedly sees Hall as a long-term investment who can nail down the starting left-back spot for years to come and be the future of the Blaugrana’s backline, per Spanish outlet SPORT.
Hall’s €30m Valuation
News from Catalunya suggests that Barcelona believe they can get a deal done for around €30m. A fee that Newcastle would laugh off should that be the starting offer.
It would take a miracle for Eddie Howe to allow one of his best players to leave the club. Especially for a price that resembles a bag of peanuts more than the fee for a professional footballer.
Add to that the financial uncertainty that almost constantly clouds the Catalan club in controversy, and a deal for Hall seems more within the realms of fantasy than plausibility.
Newcastle to offer Hall new contract
Amid the Barcelona interest, there are also louder shouts that Newcastle are readying a new contract for their flying fullback.
The Magpies are reportedly keen to tie Hall down to a long-term deal. A new contract would both secure his future and push the price up for any clubs who may be sniffing around him.
Hall has featured in 40 games this season, including 24 Premier League games and 10 Champions League fixtures. The former Chelsea academy graduate has arguably been Newcastle’s best player across the year.
A new deal would be a significant coup for Newcastle and would back up its ambitions to become a top club in the near future.
Hall’s England Adventure
Hall is currently away on international duty with England, having been called up by Thomas Tuchel last week.
Many see Hall as the starter for the Three Lions in America this summer. Those rivalling him for that position are Man City’s Nico O’Reilly and the experience of Man United’s Luke Shaw, but Hall appears the first choice right now.
Given the current interest, there is a possibility Hall could be involved in speculation whilst at the World Cup.
