Newcastle United defender Lewis Hall has declared that his departure from Chelsea came at the 'perfect time' for his career, insisting he would not have achieved his current success had he remained at Stamford Bridge.
From Cobham to St. James' Park
The 21-year-old left-back, who joined Chelsea's academy at just eight years old, spent over a decade at the club's Cobham training base. He broke into the first team during the 2022/23 season under then-manager Graham Potter, making 12 senior appearances and being crowned the club's Academy Player of the Season.
Despite his promise, Chelsea sanctioned his sale to Newcastle United in a deal worth an initial £28million, potentially rising to £35m with add-ons. The move left many Blues supporters disappointed to see a highly-rated homegrown talent depart.
'Everything has worked out perfectly'
In an interview featured in Newcastle's matchday programme ahead of last weekend's 2-2 draw with Chelsea, Hall reflected on his decision. He expressed gratitude to his former club but was clear that the move north has been a resounding success.
'The club [Chelsea] was unbelievable for me, but I think I left at the perfect time,' Hall stated. 'The direction that this club wants to go in, how everything was unfolding at Chelsea at the time, it was the right time for me to come here.'
He highlighted Chelsea's strategy of investing heavily in young talent as a key factor in his choice to seek regular first-team football elsewhere. 'The way Chelsea wanted to go forward with lots and lots of young talent, it was best for my career that I made this move and I think it has panned out really well for me,' he added.
Trophy success and England recognition
Since joining Eddie Howe's side, Hall has become a pivotal figure at St. James' Park. His achievements in a short time starkly justify his decision:
- He was a key part of the Newcastle team that won the Carabao Cup last season, ending the Magpies' 54-year major trophy drought.
- His performances have earned him a breakthrough into the England senior national team.
- He has established himself as a regular starter in the Premier League.
'I've achieved a lot of things which I don't think I would have been able to achieve if I would have stayed there,' Hall confessed. 'But Chelsea has played a massive part in helping me to be that player who got the move in the first place and I'm always grateful for that.'
While Chelsea have flourished in his absence—winning the Conference League and Club World Cup in 2025 and mounting a serious title challenge—the form of Marc Cucurella has softened the blow of Hall's exit. However, there remains a lingering frustration at seeing an academy graduate excel for a direct Premier League rival.
The result of last weekend's clash leaves Chelsea fourth in the table, while Newcastle sit 11th, six points behind, as they prepare for a crucial Boxing Day fixture away at Manchester United.
