Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has always promoted youth during his time on Tyneside.
Elliot Anderson got major opportunities to shine before he was sadly sold, while Newcastle want to build around Lewis Miley. Elsewhere, Alex Murphy made his Premier League debut for the Magpies during the 2023/24 season.
Now, three more youngsters are eager to establish themselves as first-team players at St James’ Park. The club have officially announced that Sean Neave, Leo Shahar and Trevan Sanusi have signed new deals.
They have all been in and around the first-team over the past 12 months. Sanusi even made his competitive debut in Newcastle United’s FA Cup third round win over Bromley.
The trio have bags of potential, and it is up to Eddie Howe to ensure they achieve their potential on Tyneside.
Sean Neave and Leo Shahar warming up before playing for Newcastle United Under-21s against Middlesbrough Under-21s.
Photo by Harriet Massey/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Eddie Howe must hand pre-season opportunities to Newcastle United wonderkids
For the next stage of their development, it is vital that Howe utilises them in pre-season. His side is set to face some elite opposition, and it is a great chance for the teenagers to test themselves.
Sanusi was part of Newcastle’s pre-season preparations 12 months ago and was exceptional. He thrived at senior level, and will be eager for a repeat after an injury-disrupted 2025.
As for Shahar and Neave, they are yet to play at senior level for the Magpies. Howe must give them the chance to do that this summer.
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They are both 18-years-old, so it is likely that Howe will determine they are too young to be loaned out. Therefore, the closest thing they are going to get to top level senior football is these friendlies.
Neave has impressed Newcastle coaches, while Shahar could be the club’s next Kieran Trippier. They are poised to become important players at St James’ Park, alongside Sanusi.
Newcastle United is pleased to confirm that Academy trio Sean Neave, Leo Shahar and Trevan Sanusi have signed new deals with the club.
Well done, lads 💪
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) June 17, 2025
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They will not be overnight successes, but Howe must give them a chance in pre-season to get a glimpse of their futures.
Who will Newcastle United play against in pre-season?
Newcastle United currently have five pre-season friendlies scheduled for this summer.
The first is on 19th July, with Newcastle facing Celtic up in Glasgow. Thousands of Toon fans will be travelling north of the border, meaning there should be some atmosphere inside Celtic Park.
Then the Magpies are off to Asia. They face Arsenal on 27th July in Singapore, before heading to South Korea to face a K-League Select XI and Tottenham Hotspur.
Newcastle’s final pre-season friendly is at St James’ Park. As part of the 2025 Sela Cup, they will entertain Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid.
With four of Newcastle’s pre-season games against Champions League rivals, it is the perfect chance for Sanusi, Neave and Shahar to show Howe what they are capable of.