Mauricio Pochettino explains £28m Newcastle United transfer decision

Mauricio Pochettino has explained Chelsea’s decision to sell Lewis Hall to Newcastle United during the summer. Hall, who has joined the Magpies on an initial loan deal, will join the club when the summer transfer window opens on a permanent basis for an initial fee of £28m - one that could rise to £35m if certain conditions are met.

Hall was allowed to join his boyhood club in the summer and Pochettino has revealed why the teenager was allowed to leave Stamford Bridge, despite a promising breakthrough season last term. Pochettino said: “It was a player with the conditions here, too many players in that position ahead of him. 

“The player and the club took the best decision for both sides. Unlucky that he cannot play but he has a good future and hope he can settle well there.”

Hall has made just five appearances for Newcastle United in all competitions but is ineligible to face his parent club this afternoon.