As revealed by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Newcastle United have agreed a deal with Man City to sign Alfie Harrison.
The highly rated 18-year-old is an attacking midfielder who has excelled in City’s academy in recent years. He is expected to sign a long-term contract on Tyneside and is due for a medical in the coming days.
Interestingly, Ornstein reveals that Newcastle’s pursuit involved head of youth recruitment Paul Midgley. He joined from Man City in 2022 and knows the teenager well from his time in Manchester.
An undisclosed fee is reported in what’s believed to be a real coup for the club, with Harrison expected to go into the club’s youth system with a clear path to the first-team pitched during talks.
The youngster has bagged an impressive eight goals and four assists in just eight appearances in the Premier League’s U18 division, suggesting he’s ready for the step up to U21 football.
🚨 EXCL: Newcastle reach agreement with Man City to sign midfield talent Alfie Harrison for undisclosed fee. 18yo to undergo medical in coming days before signing long-term contract. #NUFC pursuit centred on clear path towards 1st team @TheAthleticFC #MCFC https://t.co/2jqjZZwbb9
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 23, 2024
Unearthing young talent with the odd signing of proven talent seems to be the direction of travel.
Joseph(Quote)