It’s a bold statement, but Alfie Harrison may become one of the smartest purchases Newcastle have made in recent years.
Harrison joined Newcastle from Man City in February 2024 for a reported fee that could reach £3.5m if clauses are triggered. It was a slow start to life on Tyneside, but after a full season, he has shown why the club wanted him.
The talented teenager made his senior debut vs Hull in the summer of 2024, making his first start vs Stade Brestois in the Sela Cup. Last season, the 19-year-old contributed with three goals and seven assists across 20 outings in the Premier League 2.
It’s expected Harrison will go out on loan next season, which I firmly believe is the correct decision for his development as he steps up to senior level.
What I love about Alfie Harrison is the potential of his profile and how he’s the type of player Newcastle will be looking at in the near future, so this next loan move could be a really good chance for Harrison to make a case for himself.
**What makes Harrison such a smart purchase?**
Harrison is a left footed midfielder (something Newcastle don’t have), he can operate higher up the pitch as a 10, where he can link play and receive progressive passes of defenders, he’s a clean ball striker who can operate in wide triangles.
He can also operate as a deeper midfielder and progress the ball via carry or pass, he’s comfortable receiving under pressure or receiving outside of the block and dictating from deep. He can also operate at right wing given the right tactical instructions; the U21 coach sometimes had him create a “box midfield” from right wing with the right back holding width, meaning Newcastle would basically be playing two number 10’s.
This is a tactical option Eddie Howe doesn’t have at his disposal. Newcastle are also lacking a left footer on the right hand side meaning our play on that side can be very one dimensional. Harrison at right centre midfield, would offer us a new passing angle and a new type of rotation which makes us a little more unpredictable on the right hand side.
There is one thing coaches love and it’s tactical flexibility; that’s exactly what Harrison brings. He offers versatility through his ability to operate in all phases and a new tactical option with his unique right wing ability; my little nickname for him is the Bradford Bernardo. Stylistically he really does remind me of the Portuguese international.
Technically Harrison is more than ready for senior football but physically is where my concern is and I have question marks over his pressing IQ, which are two key elements you need to succeed in an Eddie Howe side.
**What’s next?**
The hope with loaning him out is that he can improve physically and gain experience in a pressing system at senior level, which hopefully he can adapt quickly but that isn’t a guarantee.
I want to make sure people understand that I’m not saying Alfie Harrison will be playing for Newcastle senior squad in the 26/27 season. But what I am saying is that we need to keep a keen eye on his loan move next season, as his profile is something our midfield needs.
If he meets the standards we hope from him then we may be looking at that potential £3.5m fee as an absolute bargain.
Thank you for reading, enjoy your weekend.