Alfie Harrison has shared his delight after being handed two opportunities to play for Newcastle United at St James’ Park during pre-season.
While the results left a lot to be desired, there were some positives to take from the Magpies’ return to home soil.
New signing Seung-soo Park made his first start for Newcastle United and looked very impressive in his 63-minute appearance. Elsewhere, Aaron Ramsdale saved a penalty for Newcastle in the 2-2 draw with Espanyol on Friday evening.
Few players featured in both games over the weekend, but one who was given the nod was young attacking midfielder Alfie Harrison. The 19-year-old came off the bench in both games and looked lively, even if he was not able to find the back of the net.
Alfie Harrison was part of Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia, but it remains to be seen whether he will have any involvement in the first team next season. After getting a chance to impress at St James’ Park, Harrison has taken to social media to reflect on his appearances.
Alfie Harrison with the ball during a friendly between Newcastle United and Atletico Madrid.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
While he was on the Asia tour, Harrison did not play a single minute during the trip. So his first taste of football was over the two friendlies at home.
There is a chance Harrison could remain with Newcastle’s first team squad for the opening games of the Premier League season due to a lack of depth in midfield. Harrison may not have played both games if Joe Willock were fit, but he has grabbed the opportunity to play with both hands.
After his outings, Harrison has taken to Instagram, saying: “Good to get minutes against Atletico Madrid and Espanyol!”
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The comments section included messages from several Newcastle players, including club captain Bruno Guimaraes, who sent two clapping emojis.
Harrison has undoubtedly earned the opportunity to play in the first team after his impressive 2024/25 campaign, where he registered 10 goal involvements for Newcastle’s Under-21s.
Alfie Harrison could leave Newcastle United on loan this summer
While Harrison was a prominent figure around Newcastle’s first-team squad throughout pre-season, he could still be spending the 2025/26 term elsewhere.
Antonio Cordero and Joe White have left Newcastle on loan, and Harrison could soon follow after reports earlier this year.
In May, it was reported that both Harrison and Garang Kuol could leave Newcastle on loan, with the pair hopeful of playing first-team football to continue their development.
READ MORE:Who is Garang Kuol? Height, Position, Transfer, Family and More
Kuol has already endured two disastrous loan spells, while Harrison is still getting to grips after signing from Manchester City for £3.5million in 2024.
While Cordero is playing in Belgium, Harrison and Kuol will both surely move to a Championship or League One side to give them a better understanding of English football.