Newcastle United have heavily invested in their academy since the PIF takeover was completed in 2021.
Despite the immense wealth of Newcastle United’s owners, it became clear very quickly that the spending power at St James’ Park would be extremely limited by PSR – three letters that have become very unpopular around Tyneside.
Eddie Howe was left furious when Newcastle were forced to sell Elliot Anderson to navigate the financial regulations. The Magpies lost a talented academy product but PIF are eager to produce more young talent.
PIF have made major academy improvements, and a multi-million training ground development will improve things further.
Photo by Harriet Massey/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Photo by Harriet Massey/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Three academy stars that can save Newcastle United millions
Sporting director Paul Mitchell will finally have a budget to play with in the summer window after Newcastle eased their concerns.
Newcastle want three signings in the summer, but the last thing the Magpies will want to do is put themselves back under financial stress.
Therefore, Howe could dip into Newcastle’s improving academy sides to strengthen his first-team options, and there are three standout options.
Trevan Sanusi
Perhaps Newcastle’s most exciting academy star is winger Trevan Sanusi, who has been hailed as top prospect by club coaches.
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Sanusi made his debut this season against Bromley in the FA Cup and he got fans off their seats with a few dazzling dribbles. Howe wants to improve Sanusi after seeing plenty of potential in him in the first team.
Sanusi has been compared to Allan Saint-Maximin for his play style, and Newcastle fans can get excited about the idea of a new tricky winger coming through the ranks.
Newcastle have been in the market for a new winger, but Sanusi will be pushing for his first-team breakthrough. If he can stick to his current trajectory, he could save Mitchell from having to splash the cash.
Photo by Harriet Massey/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Photo by Harriet Massey/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Leo Shahar
Another position Newcastle may need to strengthen is at full-back with Kieran Trippier likely to leave in the summer.
Thankfully though, Leo Shahar is a perfect Trippier replacement having impressed as a right-back in the academy sides.
Shahar has trained with the first team at Newcastle this season so the 18-year-old will be hoping for a breakthrough soon.
Sean Neave
Alexander Isak is perhaps the best striker in the world at the moment so Newcastle certainly don’t need a replacement, but Howe will want extra depth up front.
However, instead of spending millions on a striker, he could call on academy star Sean Neave.
Neave is a gem Newcastle’s academy and his goal record at youth level is impressive. Like Shahar, Neave has trained with the first team.