Newcastle United have announced that exciting youngsters Trevan Sanusi and Leo Shahar have signed their first professional contracts with the club.
The England youth internationals moved to the North East last summer, with tricky winger Sanusi joining from Birmingham City an right-back Shahar signing from Premier League side Wolves.
The 17-years-old duo have really impressed in black and white so far and broke into the Under-21 team this season after shining at Under-18 level.
Interestingly, Toon target Tosin Adarabioyo has been spotted commenting on Sanusi’s Instagram post (see below) to announce his new deal, posting a “congratulations bro” message in light of his pro contract:
The academy has often been an afterthought at Newcastle in the last 15 years or so but we’re finally starting to see big changes made, and hopefully the young duo will be able to force their way into the first-team in the coming seasons.
With more exciting young players being targeted the future does indeed look very bright for Newcastle and they’ve conducted some smart business in tying these two down as soon as possible.
Speaking on their first pro deals, here’s what both players told the club’s official website:
Trevan Sanusi – “It’s overwhelming and a dream come true to sign my first professional contract as I’ve been working for it for my whole life. I’m really excited to keep pushing on and prove to everyone who gave me that contract.
“I stayed humble and didn’t expect it. I kept working hard until I got the contract, which I have now, but I’ll keep on working and won’t be stopping.
“I see a very good pathway in the Academy and trying to make it into the first-team. I back myself to play as well as possible and try to do that, following in the footsteps of those who have done so this season.
“I’d say my best memories this season would be scoring my first goal for the under-21s as well as playing in the UEFA Youth League, winning away at Paris Saint-Germain.”
Leo Shahar – “Seeing the likes of Trippier and Livramento playing well for the first-team makes me want to thrive and try to get into a similar position that they are in. The fans love those two and I want to push on to try and get into that spot. I’m going to work as hard as I can everyday on the training pitch to get to that spot.
“Signing my first professional contract is everything I have dreamt of since I was a kid. To get that opportunity at such a big club like Newcastle United is outstanding and I’m hoping to keep pushing on.
“I’ve been getting great opportunities with the under-21s this season as well as playing in the UEFA Youth League and representing England (at under-17 level) so I thought that was such a big reason in wanting to commit my future here.”