Newcastle United have confirmed a double signing for the U-23 squad today, announcing the arrival of former Arsenal and Everton centre-backs Stefan O’Connor and Josef Yarney.
Beginning with O’Connor, the 20-year-old became a free agent this summer following the expiration of his contract at the Emirates, ending his 7 year spell at the club after joining the Gunners from Crystal Palace as a 13-year-old.
He is said to be comfortable at both centre-back and right-back and has represented England U-17’s, making just one senior appearance for Arsenal – coming on for the final 13 minutes in their 4-1 away win against Galatasaray in the 2014 Champions League group stages.
19-year-old Yarney is also primarily a centre-back and progressed through the ranks at Everton before being released this summer.
He featured as a trialist in the U-23 fixture against Middlesbrough last season and Newcastle appear to have been impressed, offering him a contract at the club.
According to NUFC’s official website, both players have begun pre-season training with the development squad and could feature in the U-23s pre-season friendly at Darlington on Monday, 17th July.
It has also been confirmed that Newcastle have received international clearance for fellow youngsters Juanito and Tyrique Bartlett.