Lewis Hall breaks silence on Chelsea exit with message after Newcastle deal

Chelsea transfer news: Young star Lewis Hall has officially made the move to Newcastle, ending a 12-year association with the Blues.

The 18-year-old made 11 first-team appearances last season, having impressed at academy level to earn himself a call-up to the senior squad. Hall was often deployed as a midfielder in his time at Cobham, but when he made the step up, he was used as a left-back option instead.

That type of versatility has become synonymous with the work being done through the academy, with players developed into more than just one position. It gave the youngster his chance in the first-team, but it was perhaps his biggest roadblock towards regular minutes too.

Things appeared to change once Newcastle were linked, with the Magpies looking to secure an initial loan with a view to a permanent deal. Eventually a move was agreed and confirmed on Tuesday, with an announcement video showing Hall's ties to Newcastle from a young age.

While it's a day of great pride for him, the youngster still took time to take to social media and post a message to Chelsea and the fans. Posting on Instagram, the message reads: "After 12 amazing years with this club, I just want to say thank you to everyone @chelseafc.

"Growing up through the academy, I always aspired to play for the first team, and I’m so proud to have been able to do so. Every time I put on the shirt, I felt nothing but pride. To the staff and players of both the academy and the first team, thank you for helping me develop into the person I am today.

"And of course the fans, thank you so much for your continued support during my time here. Chelsea will always have a special place in my heart. LH."

It remains to be seen how the move itself will pan out, with plenty of promise ahead of a youngster that the Blues could regret not holding onto.