Abdulhafiz TeslimNewcastle United are continuing their aggressive approach to youth recruitment, with the club closing in on the signing of another highly-rated teenage prospect from a fellow Premier League academy.
The Magpies have made no secret of their desire to strengthen their academy ranks with some of the country’s brightest young talents, and it appears that another promising youngster is now on the verge of making the switch to Tyneside.
The player in question travelled north earlier this week to hold talks with Newcastle and complete the necessary formalities ahead of a permanent move. Sources close to the situation indicate that discussions progressed positively, with the transfer now entering its final stages before receiving official approval.
The teenager is expected to join Newcastle as a first-year scholar, reflecting the club’s long-term faith in his development potential. While the initial agreement will see him enter the academy setup, there is already an expectation that he will be offered a professional contract once he reaches the eligible age later this year.
Newcastle’s academy recruitment strategy has intensified in recent seasons as the club seeks to build a sustainable pipeline of talent capable of eventually making the step up to first-team football. Club officials have worked extensively behind the scenes to identify emerging prospects across the country, and this latest acquisition is regarded as another significant addition.
The move also comes amid substantial changes within Newcastle’s academy structure this summer. Several players have departed the club across both Under-18 and Under-21 levels, creating opportunities for fresh talent to enter the system.
At Under-18 level, the Magpies confirmed the departures of Will Anderson, Thomas Bryant, Jude Cogdon, Kayden Lucas, Alex O’Donovan, Matthew Taylor and Mo Waddani. Meanwhile, Joe Brayson, Adam Harrison, Alfie Harrison, Charlie McArthur, Darren Palmer, James Taylor and Max Thompson have all left the Under-21 squad.
Speaking about the departures, Academy Director Steve Harper paid tribute to the players moving on from the club.
“I want to extend my thanks to all the players moving on from the Academy this summer,” Harper said. “They have all made positive contributions during their time here and they are all well placed to continue their football journey on the back of the platform they’ve built.
“Our support for each of them will continue as they take their next steps. The Academy remains a resource for them and I look forward to seeing where their journeys take them. On behalf of everyone at the football club, we wish them every success for the future.”
Newcastle have also activated options to retain Dylan Charlton, Scott Bailey, Johnny Emerson and Luke Craggs at Under-21 level heading into next season, while the remainder of the eligible Under-21 group are expected to stay at the club.
The latest arrival is viewed internally as a replacement for departing right-back Ezra Tika-Lemba, and the player set to make the move to St James’ Park is West Ham United youngster Kyle Healy-Matthews. The highly-rated 16-year-old right-back is now expected to complete the final formalities of his transfer in the coming weeks, with Newcastle believing they have secured one of the country’s most promising young defensive talents.
admin
Abdulhafiz Teslim
