Newcastle United talent Leo Shahar was rewarded with a new deal this week alongside Sean Neave and Trevan Sanusi.
With that announcement in mind, the club have released an impressive behind-the-scenes video with the 18-year-old England youth international.
The 11-minute clip shows the full-back in a great light – he seems mature, driven and fully focused on becoming a top player on Tyneside – but also features a few interesting insights as he discusses life at Newcastle United and what it’s like to train with our first team stars.
On that, it’s interesting to see Leo’s response when asked to name the one player who has impressed him most on the training pitch…
Leo Shahar didn’t hide away his adoration for midfield maestro Sandro Tonali, who the teenager described as a “beast” in training.
Few will be surprised to hear of the Italian’s impressive workrate with the 25-year-old consistently involved in actions all across the park from the first whistle to the last, Tonali transitions up the field so quickly.
It’s hardly a surprise to hear that his involvement in the training involves a similar intensity, and he can certainly count young Shahar as a fan.
“Tonali is just a beast,” said Shahar. “He catches up to you so quick when you’ve got the ball (in training). It’s mad. All of them to be honest, it didn’t surprise me, I was expecting it – they’re Premier League players and they’re really good.”
Shahar, who joined the Magpies from boyhood club Wolves in the summer of 2023, is quickly emerging as one to watch. The talented right-back signed his first professional deal with Newcastle in May 2024 and has been a regular presence in senior training sessions ever since.
The 18-year-old, who has captained England at U18 level, was part of the matchday squad as we secured a 2-1 win at Brentford in April – and he’ll be looking to go one better this season by making his professional debut under Eddie Howe.
A versatile option who can also slot into midfield, Shahar has all the tools to follow in the footsteps of Trevan Sanusi, who made his first-team bow in the FA Cup clash against Bromley back in January.
With Howe keen to promote from within and opportunities likely to come up in cup competitions and European nights, Shahar could well be the next academy gem to step onto the big stage – and he’s getting guidance from some of the very best in Kieran Trippier and Tino Livramento