Newcastle are closing in on deals for teenage talents Trevan Sanusi and Divine Mukasa.
Speaking with an unnamed scout currently working in the EFL, we’ve been told that deals for both are reaching an advanced stage, with the pair of England youth internationals expected to join our ever-improving academy ahead of the 2023/24 season.
A deal for Sanusi is all but done, with the 16-year-old winger undergoing his medical this week. He turned down a new deal at Birmingham City and almost made his senior debut for the Blues last season after shining in their Under-21s. Had he featured, he would’ve become the youngest ever player to represent the club, claiming Jude Bellingham’s record after turning 16 in April.
Mukasa – an attacking midfielder who recently left West Ham – played alongside Sanusi and Toon teenager Ollie Harrison in April, helping England U16s win the Montaigu tournament thanks to a shootout win over Japan.
The Hammers pushed hard to keep Mukasa, offering to break their wage structure for U18 players to keep him East London. However, like Sanusi, the player is attracted by the project on offer at Newcastle and opportunity to play in the UEFA Youth League this coming season; a tempting perk following our qualification for the Champions League. Man City have also shown interest but are yet to make a formal move.
Hopefully both deals get done and the pair settle in on Tyneside over the coming years. One thing is certain, our investment at academy level has been really encouraging since Dan Ashworth’s arrival, making up for years of neglect under Mike Ashley.
