It hasn’t taken Alfie Harrison long to get off the mark in a black and white shirt, as the youngster scored impressively in a six-goal thriller against his former club on Wednesday night.
After making his debut in the U21s narrow defeat to Liverpool last week, the 18-year-old attacking midfielder started against Man City’s U18s last night.
They took an early 2-0 lead, but an emphatic finish from Harrison and equaliser from Darren Palmer pulled us level before City went on to win 4-2. Watch his goal below, along with a few flashes of skill from the youngster:
Alfie Harrison Vs Manchester City U18 | 22.02.24#NUFC #NUFCFans pic.twitter.com/dlAXkf5ceq
— mw._graphics (@mw_graphics08) February 22, 2024
It’s believed the 18-year-old received interest from West Ham United, Tottenham, Brighton, Celtic, Valencia, Borussia Dortmund and Nice before favouring a switch to Tyneside in hope of future first-team football.
The deal could be worth a reported £3.5m including add-ons, with Man City insisting on a 40% sell-on clause after reluctantly sanctioning his move to St James’ Park.
Speaking to the club’s matchday programme about the move, Harrison said: “I’m buzzing to join such a big club in Newcastle United with such a big fanbase. Everyone in Newcastle is so passionate about their football and I can see a good pathway for myself if I keep working hard and pushing on.
“The interest that the club have shown in me was a really big factor in wanting to make the move and I really like the place. I’ve been to St James’ Park already and I have to admit, it did take me back a bit. I went to the game against Luton and the atmosphere inside the stadium was unbelievable.
“It really surprised me at how good it was and I was getting goosebumps just thinking just thinking what it would be like to be out there on the pitch myself.
“I think this season has gone well so far and I just need to continue that here at Newcastle. I want to break into Newcastle’s under-21s team and play at a high level, affecting games with goals and assists to help the team.
“In a few years, I’d like to be in the first team. 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.”
