Manchester United May Need £80 Million to Sign Hall Next Summer; Hall Regains Form with Assist as Newcastle Prepare New Deal

Manchester United failed to sign Newcastle United's Lewis Hall during the summer window because the valuation of the 21-year-old England full-back was too high, requiring a fee of more than £70 million. Red Devils owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe attempted to repeat the Carlos Baleba approach by waiting until next year to make a move. However, unlike Baleba, Hall's price could remain high or even increase next summer.

According to British outlet TEAMtalk, although Hall remains willing to join Manchester United in the future, that does not prevent him from deciding to renew his contract with Newcastle. If Hall signs an improved deal, it could make it harder for the Red Devils to sign him in the future. Newcastle's asking price could then set a world record for a full-back transfer fee, reaching £80 million.

It is reported that Hall will receive a better contract, with Newcastle planning a significant pay increase to show that the club does not want to lose him. British media reports state that Newcastle have made it clear they do not intend to accept any offers for Hall and regard him as an important part of the team's future. The improved contract terms are seen as a reward for Hall's strong performances last season and his growing importance in the first team.

Hall's current contract runs until June 30, 2029, with a basic weekly wage of £45,000 plus £11,250 in bonuses. If he renews, his income would at least double. The departures of teammates such as Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes have given the Magpies sufficient wage space.

Manchester United were able to sign Baleba for a £70 million transfer fee this summer not only because the 22-year-old Cameroon international had a desire to join the club, but also because his performances declined last season, with him being substituted at half-time several times, forcing Brighton to accept a lower price.

However, Hall does not appear to be showing signs of a decline in effort. In this Premier League round, Newcastle played an exciting match against Bournemouth at St James' Park. The hosts conceded two goals first but fought back late to equalise and even came close to completing a comeback. Left-back Hall improved as the game progressed and contributed an assist. Harvey Barnes' goal was more of an individual effort, as he scored with a curling shot into the top-right corner after a long run.

Despite this, Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle insisted after the match that although many major clubs are interested in Hall, he believes the player has a long-term future at the club. Previously, Jaissle told Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel that United signing Hall was 'not happening'. He has now reiterated that position.

"It is certain that, like many other good players, Lewis (Hall) will receive attention from many clubs during the winter window," Jaissle said. "Every transfer window there are teams interested in our players, but we value Lewis greatly. He is a player with huge potential. His current performances are already very good, but we all know he has plenty of room to improve in the future. We are very happy he is part of the team and hope he can stay here for a long time."

Tyrone Marshall, chief Manchester United correspondent for the Manchester Evening News, believes Sir Jim Ratcliffe's management team misjudged Hall's situation during the summer window and that the club should have acted earlier rather than waiting until next year.

"It is too early to predict what will happen eight months from now, but it is reported that Manchester United are very likely to consider signing Hall next year," he said. "But it will not be easy. If United had pursued him in early May or June this year, and made an offer before Tonali and Guimaraes left, perhaps the outcome would have been different."