General view inside the stadium during the pre-season friendly match between Newcastle United and Atletico Madrid at St James' Park on August 09, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)placeholder image
General view inside the stadium during the pre-season friendly match between Newcastle United and Atletico Madrid at St James' Park on August 09, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Newcastle United fought off competition from Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur to sign the teenager defender.
It was widely reported last month that Kenchington was Tyneside-bound with Newcastle fending off competition from several other Premier League clubs.
Stones, like Kenchington, is a Barnsley lad and came through the Tykes’ academy before he joined Everton for £3m after making 28 first-team appearances. Stones, now 31, left his boyhood as an 18-year-old. Kenchington is departing at the far earlier age of 15.
Newcastle United new signing pictured at St James’ Park
On Thursday evening, Kenchington confirmed his switch to Newcastle on social media.
Kenchington shared his unveiling photos from St James’ Park on Instagram, Kenchington wrote: “new beginnings delighted to be here🖤”
As per Sky Sports News, Newcastle have beaten the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion to Kenchington’s signature and agreed to pay £350,000 plus “significant bonuses” to Barnsley.
An England under-15s international, Kenchington is already north of 6ft. He has been described as a two-footed centre-back and comfortable on the ball.
Josh Kenchington issue farewell message ahead of Newcastle United move
Ahead of the move, Kenchington recently issued a goodbye message to Barnsley.
Kenchington wrote on Instagram: ““Where do I start? 5 years at this great academy, filled with both ups and downs, a rollercoaster of emotions.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at the club, including academy staff, players, and every coach along the way. Thank you all.
“I will never forget the memories made at my boyhood club and never forget how much I progressed. But is time now for the next chapter of my life, we move...❤️”
Continue Reading