Hall signs Newcastle deal to 2031 and insists Manchester United interest never unsettled him

Lewis Hall signed a two-year contract extension with Newcastle United last week, tying the 22-year-old left-back to the club until 2031 with no release clause — ending months of speculation that linked him with a move to Manchester United.

Hall addressed the transfer talk directly after scoring in Newcastle’s 2-1 win over Hull City on Saturday, his first goal since putting pen to paper on the new deal. “No, honestly, it didn’t affect me,” he said. “Whenever you’re linked to another team, you know you’re doing something right. I took that as a positive, but at the same time, I knew how much I love playing here.”

Newcastle supporters had reason for anxiety this summer. The club lost manager Eddie Howe at the end of July, and the departures of high-profile players in recent windows had made the fanbase wary of losing another homegrown favourite. Hall, who supported Newcastle as a boy, chose instead to extend his stay — a decision he says was made easier by the arrival of new head coach Matthias Jaissle, who replaced Howe after leaving Saudi side Al-Ahli.

“After not many conversations, not many training sessions, I knew that the manager was going to be really good for this club,” Hall said. “As soon as we brought in new players and improved the squad, it was a no-brainer to sign.”

Hall praised Jaissle’s man-management style as a key factor in his thinking. “He gives me the licence to express myself as long as I do the defensive work and the running required for this position, which is quite a lot,” he said. “He’s been a positive for everyone who’s come in so far.”

The week rounded off on a personal high for Hall, who also received a recall to the England squad — recognition that his form at club level has translated to the international stage. His new contract, which contains no release clause, gives Newcastle a firm grip on one of their most promising assets at a time when the club is rebuilding under new management.