Amidst

In August, the left back switched clubs, joining the Magpies on loan with a buyout clause for £28 million ($36 million) at season’s end. He had previously played for the Blues. Eddie Howe, Chelsea’s manager, admitted he wasn’t “not 100 per cent sure” the 19-year-old would sign a permanent deal with the club, but the lifelong Newcastle supporter may have hinted that the end of his 12-year tenure with the Blues is near.

X, formerly Twitter, uploaded a screenshot of the Instagram post on Friday night, which has since been deleted.

“I simply want to express my gratitude to everyone [at Chelsea] after 12 incredible years with this club,” Hall said as the caption to his Instagram image. It has been my lifelong goal to make the first team since my days in the academy, and I couldn’t be prouder of my accomplishment. My deepest gratitude goes out to everyone who had a hand in shaping my character, from the academy coaches and players to the first team.

In his closing remarks, he said, “Chelsea will always have a special place in my heart.”

Marc Cucurella, Ben Chilwell, Ian Maatsen, and many more are among Chelsea’s long-term alternatives at left defender. Selling an academy player will assist the Blues balance their books and remain in compliance with the financial fair play regulations, which they must adhere to. The trade benefits both clubs because Newcastle is short on depth at that position due to injuries. Nonetheless, this transaction serves as more evidence that Chelsea does not value the development of a pathway from the academy to the first squad.

The teenager’s permanent transfer announcement might be just around the corner. Meanwhile, this coming Saturday, the Magpies will play host to Fulham in the Premier League.