Newcastle swerve around the FFP restrictions to bring Hall home from Chelsea

Newcastle United have signed 18-year-old defender Lewis Hall from Chelsea on loan that's sure to be made permanent next year. The versatile left-back has been one of Blues' best young players but has now joined the club he supported all his life.

The Magpies have been forced to arrange the Hall deal as an initial season-long loan with an obligation to buy for a fee of $35 million, with potential bonuses of $9 million. Such an agreement was devised only to delay the start of payments to the London club and thus comply with Financial Fair Play regulations following 18 months of big spending on new players.

The boy who made a great impression in his few senior appearances for the Blues is regarded as a future England international with a great future in the game.

"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. I got a lot of experience last year in some big fixtures and was really proud of how I progressed as a player and a person. To now be here at Newcastle, the club I've supported since I was a kid, I'm honoured and very proud to wear this shirt."

Having claimed the title of Chelsea's Academy Player of the Season in the previous year, Hall seamlessly transitioned to the senior squad. Hall demonstrated his capabilities against opponents like Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, and even his new club. His departure from Chelsea has left an atmosphere of disappointment, with fans and the club's staff expressing dismay. Some have voiced worries that this move signifies a return to the previous model followed by the Chelsea academy, where young talents are sold to finance the acquisition of expensive foreign players.

Although born in Slough near London, Lewis' father and grandparents were all born in Newcastle and ensured their boys carried on the family tradition. Now Lewis will get his taste of living on Tyneside. The boy recently agreed in principle to a new long-term contract with the Blues but his future was waiting in the northeast of England. The England U21 international made his Premier League debut for Chelsea last season and made nine appearances in the top flight.

Signing the young left-back has been propelled by Newcastle's unexpected qualification for the UEFA Champions League, the competition the Magpies haven't featured in for 20 years. Manager Eddie Howe had to make notable additions to his squad ahead of what will be a historic campaign.

"It's very exciting. It was amazing when you look back on last season and how the team performed – not just the results, but the performances the team were putting in. 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 loves his teams to press relentlessly - and Hall is the type of player who would fit into his system. The young manager gets another option at left-back to compete with Dan Burn and Matt Targett.

"Lewis is a player we have tracked closely, as have several 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."