On Tuesday afternoon, we released an exclusive on ‘CJ’ Afumuzor; the teenage talent set to become the first of many Academy signings at Newcastle United this summer.
Newcastle have agreed a fee with Portsmouth and beaten Premier League rivals Man Utd, Aston Villa and Brighton to a deal, with the player undergoing a medical last week ahead of the move.
Who is CJ Afumuzor?
Chukwudi Afumuzor – who goes by the name ‘CJ’ – is a 14-year-old box-to-box midfielder who is thought to be one of the best category three players in the country after eight years at Pompey.
Speaking to a youth scout with strong links to the Academy circuit, he’s described as a ‘combative midfielder who operates best as a No.8’, with CJ’s ‘engine, ball-winning qualities and ability to drive forward at opposition defences’ considered some of his standout traits ahead of his move to Newcastle. Here’s a few clips of him in action:
CJ Afumuzor 🔜⚫️⚪️#NUFC
— NUFCBlog.co.uk (@NUFCblogcouk) June 12, 2024
The 5ft 9′ talent turns 15 and December, but has already featured in U16 games for Portsmouth after impressing at U14 and U15 level, scoring over 20 goals across the 2023/24 season from midfield, highlighting his eye for goal.
Last summer we saw a number of domestic talents sign on Tyneside. At U16 level we saw exciting midfielder Sam Alabi arrive from Oldham Athletic, with winger Michael Mills (Port Vale), Sam Pinnington (Luton Town) and Kacey Wooster (Southend) also signing deals at the club.
At U21 and U18 level, England youth internationals Trevan Sanusi (Birmingham) and Leo Shahar (Wolves) sealed moves in search of a clearer pathway to first-team football, with Man City’s No.10 Alfie Harrison also joining.
Welcome to the Toon, CJ!
I know you write articles for everyone – but these articles really both me.
This is a boy of 14. I have a son 15 and would hate this kind of exposure and spotlight on him – my fear is that these boys get this kind of limelight & it effects their development – they buy into the hype.
I understand the intention of the article – to promote the fact the club are recruiting some of the best prospects up and down the Country. But let the boys develop and grow – and if he’s still there at 17/18 on the fringes of the first team – then let’s hear about them.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I hear what you’re saying mate. Not trying to build the lad up to suggest he’s now expected to be a first-teamer in years to come, just sharing the positive feedback I got from the contact (that helped us get the exclusive) who knows him well.
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
He seems like he has proppa potential and ive seen his clips on his fathers yt i think he is the next prodigy
Zayne(Quote)