Newcastle manager firm on Lewis Hall’s future
Matthias Jaissle, the manager of Newcastle United, has stated that Manchester United has “no chance” of signing defender Lewis Hall this summer. The declaration came after Newcastle’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool. During a post-match interview, former player Peter Schmeichel, representing ViaPlay, mentioned United’s interest in Hall, to which Jaissle responded with a firm “No chance. No chance.” This exchange highlights Newcastle’s strong stance against selling the player.
Reports indicate that United has been aware of Newcastle’s unwillingness to part with Hall since the transfer window opened. Even before the departures of key players such as Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali, and Bruno Guimaraes, Newcastle had no intention of selling the young full-back. This resolve has only strengthened following these high-profile exits, making a transfer even less likely.
Hall, who is 21 years old, is considered a promising talent in English football and one of the top left-backs in the Premier League. Despite suggestions that he might be open to a move to Old Trafford, given his family’s lifelong support for Newcastle, it is considered improbable that he would force a transfer. This situation contrasts with how Alexander Isak reportedly handled his move last summer.
United explores alternative defensive options
With the pursuit of Hall proving difficult, Manchester United is now looking at other options to bolster their left-back position before the transfer deadline. The club’s need for a new addition on the left side of defence remains a priority, especially after their 2-0 defeat to Hull City on the opening day of the season, which highlighted areas for squad improvement.
One player linked with a move to Old Trafford is Barcelona youngster Alejandro Balde. Links to Balde have intensified, particularly after he was not included in Barcelona’s squad for their season opener against Elche. The La Masia graduate reportedly wishes to remain at Camp Nou, but his future could be influenced if Barcelona decides to sell him due to existing interest.
Under Hansi Flick, Balde currently ranks behind both Gerard Martin and Joao Cancelo in Barcelona’s pecking order. At Manchester United, he would compete directly with Luke Shaw for a starting spot under manager Michael Carrick.
Beyond Balde, United is also considering other alternatives for the left-back position. Racing Santander’s Jorge Salinas is a player of interest, though Atletico Madrid is also reportedly keen on signing the Spain Under-19 international. Other names admired by United include RB Leipzig’s David Raum, as well as domestic players like Fulham’s Antonee Robinson and Bournemouth’s Adrien Truffert.
Newcastle’s valuation of Hall effectively demands a new world-record fee for a left-back, which currently stands at £68 million, the amount Bayern Munich paid Real Madrid for Lucas Hernandez in July 2019. While United is prepared to test Newcastle’s resolve, a bid in the region of £70 million is considered unlikely from the Old Trafford club, making a deal increasingly difficult as the transfer window approaches its close.
Despite the challenges, a formal approach for Hall in the coming days cannot be entirely ruled out as United continues to explore all possibilities to strengthen their squad.
Source: livescore.com