Newcastle United have clearly pointed their focus this summer towards signing the best youngsters from across Europe. The senior team has seen four additions so far, with none of them over 20 years of age.
Ewen Jaouen was brought in from Reims. Bazoumana Toure arrived from Hoffenheim. Sean Steur was signed from Ajax. And yesterday, the signing of Aladji Bamba from AS Monaco was made official.
As mentioned, none of them is over 20 years of age. On the other hand, Newcastle United have lost some of their best players this summer in the form of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali. The likes of Nick Pope, Bruno Guimaraes and Joe Willock look to be headed for the exit door as well.
So, the fans are hoping to see some experienced and proven quality come in through the door. But, on the contrary, it looks like the Magpies are continuing to pursue youngsters. Lucas Bergvall is believed to be the next target. And it is not just the senior team.
Youngster announces move to Newcastle United on social media
Newcastle United seem intent on strengthening their youth ranks as well. It was just recently that news broke that Kyle Healy-Matthews was headed to St James’ Park from West Ham United. They have signed Afnor Ca for the Academy as well. And now, another name has been added to that list.
Eli Hall has announced on his Instagram that he has joined Newcastle United. The caption read: “Proud to be a Newcastle player time to ball out”
Of course, most fans will not be familiar with the name of Hall. But he certainly made his presence felt in youth football already and could be headed for big things in the future.
Hall became the youngest player ever to have appeared for Ipswich Town’s U18s team last season. In March, he played the full 90 minutes at right-back as they faced Birmingham City. He was aged just 14 years and 165 days old.
Hall chose to leave Ipswich Town
Hall was offered a scholarship by Ipswich Town in November but he opted to leave the club. He would deregister himself from the academy at the end of last season and has now completed a move to Newcastle United.
It is impossible to predict how things will go for him with the Magpies. Sometimes, the development of these highly-rated youngsters goes as predicted.
At other times, they end up getting lost in the shuffle while making it up the academy ranks and never find their feet in senior football.
There is no doubt that Hall is a talent. He made history at Ipswich Town last season. And hopefully, he will make more in Newcastle United colours in the future. We can only wish him the best moving forward.
