Alan Shearer scarred by £375m exodus after Lewis Hall signs Newcastle United contract
Lewis Hall officially put pen to paper on a five-year extension at Newcastle United earlier today.
Alan Shearer has hailed Lewis Hall signing a new contract as “great news” for Newcastle United.
However, scarred by several high-profile departures in recent times, the Toon icon also refused to get carried away about the defender’s future. Hall put pen to paper on a five-year contract to end the speculation that lingered from the summer.
Manchester United were understood to be snooping around but failed to reaffirm their interest. The 22-year-old - set for an England return after missing out on the World Cup - has enjoyed a strong start to the season under Matthias Jaissle.
He will now be buoyed by a bumper pay rise and Newcastle fans can claim a big victory over Man United. But speaking to Betfair, club legend Shearer, while celebrating the extension, cast doubt on the long-term reality.
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Alan Shearer on Lewis Hall
“It's great news for Newcastle that Lewis Hall has signed a new long-term deal,” he said. “There is always going to be interest from other clubs in top players and he's a top left-back.
“There's not many good left-backs out there and Newcastle have got a really good one, so I understand why other clubs were were sniffing around him in the transfer window.
“The only issue is that I wonder how important his contract will be if he wants to leave one day. However, at the minute he seems very happy and happy enough to sign that new deal. So I'm pleased for Newcastle and him.
“I have been really impressed with his start to the season. He now just needs to stay fit because, if he stays fit, he's one of, if not the best, left-back in the league.”
‘I’m absolutely delighted’ - Lewis Hall
Hall name-checked his family connection to the Magpies in the official club announcement. He said: “I'm absolutely delighted. It's a really proud moment. It's an absolute pleasure to play for this club and to represent the supporters. I know how much it means to them.
“The fanbase and the support we get here, whether it's at St. James’ Park or away, it's the best in the league in my opinion. To be able to bring joy to their faces, it's a big thing for me.
“I obviously have a family connection with the club, which is incredibly important to us all. One of the main reasons I play is to make my family proud, and I know how much it means to them to watch me playing for Newcastle United.
“It's a really good place to be. It's really pleasing with how we've started the season, especially with the new Gaffer and coaching staff coming in, and I think we can go on to achieve really big things.”