Newcastle complete wonderkid deadline day transfer

Newcastle have confirmed the signing of an English wonderkid from a Premier League rival after poaching Manchester City’s academy for teenager Alfie Harrison.

Harrison was highly-rated at the Etihad Stadium but City opted to allow the 18-year-old to join Newcastle with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.

The deal is believed to be worth up to £3.5 million including add-ons, however City are understood to have a 40% sell-on clause should Newcastle choose to cash in on the youngster in the future.

Speaking about his deadline day transfer, Harrison said: “The size of the club and what it has got going for it is massive for me. It’s got a huge, passionate fanbase and I’m looking to really push on with my career now.

“If I was a kid now, looking at me signing for Newcastle United, it’s what dreams are made of. I’m really looking forward to what is coming and how I can progress in the coming years.

“I’m an effective player who can add goals and assists. I really like to create stuff but, on the other side, I’d also say I’m a very passionate player who always wants to win.”

The details behind Harrison’s move to Newcastle

Harrison has been one of the standout performers in City’s under-18 squad this season, providing eight goals and four assists in just eight appearances.

Speaking in 2022, City academy manager Ben Wilkinson said: “He has had to be patience and wait for his chance this season and I think he got rewarded for the things we have been speaking about as a group, in terms of positions in the box when we are crossing the ball.

“It is not asking him to score wonder goals from 30 yards, it is just being in the right positions when the balls come in and he did that, one touch finishes in the box and I am really pleased for him. He has taken the opportunity, he showed us a lot of good things that we know he has got, we are blessed that we have a lot of good players in those positions.

“We know what he is capable of, he is a midfield player that will score goals for sure and I am delighted for him, it is more minutes for him and I am pleased overall.”

Harrison is believed to have opted to sign for Newcastle as he feels there is a clearer pathway to first team football for him at St James’ Park, although he has only penned a two-and-a-half year deal with the club.