Kyran Thompson is targeting even more after signing his first professional contract
Kyran Thompson of Arsenal during the U18 Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal at West Ham Little Heath Sports Ground on May 05, 2026 in Romford, England
Kyran Thompson was highly rated by Arsenal(Image: 2026 The Arsenal Football Club Plc)
Newcastle United youngster Kyran Thompson has opened up on why he left Arsenal to join the Magpies after penning his first professional contract.
Thompson's decision to ditch the Gunners in the summer to sign for Newcastle was seen as a real coup behind the scenes at Little Benton as the Magpies fought off competition to land the highly-rated youngster.
The attacker has now signed his his first professional contract with Newcastle on his 17th birthday and says it is the first step on his aim of breaking into the first team.
"It's been a lot of hard work towards signing my first professional contract," he said. "I believe joining Newcastle was the right step towards what I want to achieve. I'm happy to be here and very excited for the future.
"My strengths would be dribbling, drifting inside and being able to play the ball in behind. I'm a technical player who likes to create chances and score goals for the team.
"A big reason why I came here was the chance to play Under-21s football and be able to train with the first team, getting pushed and exposed to senior football as quickly as possible. I feel like this is the right place to do that."
Thompson, capped by England at Under-17 level, spent two years at Arsenal after joining them from West Ham United. The London-born forward made his Premier League 2 debut last season as a 16-year-old and featured in Arsenal's 2025/26 UEFA Youth League campaign, scoring in a 4-2 victory against Bayern Munich.
He made his first appearance for Newcastle's Under-18s during a 3-2 win against Stoke City before scoring his first goal in Saturday's 4-1 away victory at Leicester City as part of a memorable few days for the youngster.
Kyran Thompson signs his first Newcastle United professional contract
Bexley-born Thompson admits he has found it difficult being so far away from his family, but believes the 'sacrifice' will be worth it in the long run.
"So far, it's been top but I expected it to be like this when I was thinking of signing," he added to the club's official site. "It's been hard missing my family, especially my brothers, but I think, in life, you've got to make sacrifices and believe it will all be worth it in the end.
"They have been able to visit me sometimes and I've been able to visit them but I just feel being at Newcastle is the right thing to do for my career.
"I think I'm familiar with joining a new club after moving to Arsenal from West Ham before but I've been working really hard on and off the pitch. It's been an experience I've really enjoyed it so far.
"The coaches have helped me a lot to help to settle in and I need to keep doing my thing on the pitch. I'm excited to get started with the Under-21s with the aim of trying to break into the first team."
Thompson is one of eight 'emerging talents' signed by the Academy during the summer as Newcastle's overhaul and recruitment drive was not just consigned to the first team.
Newcastle United Academy Director Steve Harper added: “Kyran has handled a big move at a young age exceptionally well and has made a positive impression on everyone here.
“Signing a professional contract is a big moment for him and is a reward for the standards he’s set early on, and now the challenge is to keep building on that. He understands the pathway ahead of him, and we’ll continue to guide him as he strives towards Under‑21s football and beyond.”