Young right-back Leo Shahar is ready to grasp his opportunity under Eddie Howe after signing new deal
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Harvey Barnes (L) and Leo Shahar (R)
Harvey Barnes (L) and Leo Shahar (R)
Newcastle United youngster Leo Shahar is set to get his opportunity with Eddie Howe's first-team this summer.
The 18-year-old was signed from Wolverhampton Wanderers and is deemed a potential right-back for years to come at St James' Park. The England U18 captain was named on the bench in the Premier League for Newcastle's 2-1 win over Brentford last term.
And now is eyeing a place in the squad for pre-season, as Howe takes a closer look at some of his youngsters. This week Shahar, Trevan Sanusi and Sean Neave all signed pro deals at United as reward for kicking on last season.
After leaving Wolves to join Newcastle in 2023, he has no regrets with the youngster edging closer to a first-team debut. Speaking to the club TV channel, Shahar said: "It was a massive opportunity and one I couldn't turn down. Being in the UEFA Champions League and playing in the UEFA Youth League was great for my development.
"I'm up there training with the first-team now, and playing against PSG and Dortmund in the youth league is massive for me and my development.
"I know it is just training, but it will only make me better as a player."
Having signed a new deal with the Magpies, Shahar was asked which player's ability in the senior squad blew him away.
The teenager said: "Sandro Tonali is a beast. He catches up with you so quickly when he's got the ball.
"It's mad, but all of them, to be honest. It did not surprise me, they are Premier League players and they are really good."
Newcastle will start next season with plenty of options at right-back with Kieran Trippier, Tino Livramento and Emil Krafth all pushing for places. But Shahar is hungry for success and said: "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 every day 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."
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