Simon Jordan is ‘surprised’ Chelsea would let Lewis Hall join Premier League rivals Newcastle United but adds that a potential £35 million sale makes perfect sense from a financial perspective.
From a sporting one, however, there will be some Chelsea supporters raising their eyebrows at reports suggesting that one of the club’s most exciting young talents is on his way to St James’ Park.
Newcastle United, after all, finished eight places and 27 points ahead of Chelsea in 2022/23. And, considering that teenager Lewis Hall was one of the few bright sparks in a pitch-black season at Stamford Bridge, selling the talented left-back to Newcastle serves only to strengthen the ranks of a potential top-four rival.
“I am surprised Chelsea would want to be facilitating any solutions to Newcastle,” Jordan, the former Crystal Palace chairman, tells talkSPORT (17 August, 11.30am).
Newcastle close in on Lewis Hall deal with Chelsea
Looking at things through the lens of a balance sheet, however, selling Hall for a fee up to £35 million would be a massive boost to Chelsea’s hopes of dodging Financial Fair Play restrictions (The Athletic).
That fee feels like an eye-watering one for an 18-year-old with just nine Premier League appearances under his belt. Jordan, however, insists that – if we use Jude Bellingham’s £25 million move to Borussia Dortmund as a benchmark – Chelsea’s asking price may be justifiable.
“I mean, that’s the market, where it is right now,” he adds. “That’s the reality of commercial business.
“Bellingham was a more established player but in a Championship side, and he went to Dortmund. You’ve got a player (in Hall) who has played 12 times for Chelsea. That’s the market price.
“I am happy to see academies profiting.”
Newcastle, for the most part, have focused on young, up-and-coming talent since that Saudi Arabian takeover; less Neymars and Cristiano Ronaldos, more Alexander Isaks and Tino Livramentos.
Jordan, however, believes that Newcastle will start to aim towards more established, more big-name targets if they continue to rise at the current pace.
“Newcastle are arriving ahead of time,” he adds. “No one priced this into the thinking; this almost instantaneous ascent towards success.
“When that success becomes more difficult to deliver – winning things and finishing repeatedly in top four – you will see (Newcastle signing) a different level of player.”
Newcastle are also keen on Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta could block an exit, however, after Jurrien Timber’s ACL injury.
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