Newcastle United are hoping to develop their crop of youngsters to support Eddie Howe's first team
Michael Mills of Newcastle United (second from right) celebrates with teammates Anthony Munda, Mason Miley and Rory Finneran
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Newcastle United are yet to announce their pre-season plans as their sole focus goes on producing a positive end to what has been a challenging season for Eddie Howe and his players.
With just seven games remaining in the campaign, the Magpies have a serious battle on their hands as they look to force their way into European competition for the third time in four seasons. However, no matter what comes to pass between now and the end of next month, there will be a determination to get their preparations right as they look to challenge for major honours when the new season gets underway in August.
Howe’s side faced the likes of Celtic, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid during their preparations for the current campaign and those fixtures provided big opportunities for several members of United’s academy ranks.
The likes of Seung-Soo Park, Sean Neave and Leo Shahar were all handed game-time against some eye-catching opposition and it would not be a surprise if that trio were handed further first-team minutes in July. But could some of their academy team-mates join them within the senior setup as the Magpies prepare for the 2026/27 season?
Rory Finneran
There was a lot of noise surrounding Finneran’s arrival from Blackburn Rovers just under two years ago as the Magpies saw off some major competition for the young midfielder’s signature.
After a promising first season on Tyneside, the Republic of Ireland youth international has impressed during the current campaign and appears to be a key figure within the Magpies Under-21s setup. Comfortable on the ball, hardworking and with an eye for a pass, Finneran has impressed in recent weeks and some first-team minutes in pre-season could be on the agenda.
Anthony Munda
Robbie Stockdale has praised midfielder Munda in recent weeks as he has performed well in a number of roles within the Magpies Under-21 side. However, it is perhaps in a ‘No 10’ role where the 19-year-old has really impressed and his intensity and energy has allowed him to lead a press from higher up the pitch and force errors from the opposition.
Munda has had some involvement within the first-team in recent seasons and it would not be a shock to see him getting minutes in pre-season.
Aidan Harris
Given the uncertainty surrounding Newcastle’s goalkeeping options at first-team level, this is probably not the biggest call to make. Harris has been in and around United’s senior stoppers for the last two seasons and is believed to be highly regarded across all levels of the club.
A second loan stint of his career may well be on the cards next season - but there would be little surprise if he features in first-team friendlies before making a temporary move elsewhere.
Mason Miley
Could Mason feature alongside older brother Lewis in a first-team friendly this summer? It would be a big call given the younger sibling has only just made the step into the Magpies Under-21s setup in recent months - but it is a step he has taken with a coolness and composure far beyond his years.
Although primarily a midfielder, Miley has impressed at right-back during his time with Stockdale’s side and that versatility could be useful for the Magpies senior setup in pre-season.
Michael Mills
Highly-rated winger Mills has enjoyed a promising introduction to life with Stockdale’s Under-21s in recent months after scoring twice for the Magpies Under-18s in an FA Youth Cup win against Portsmouth. The former Port Vale prospect netted for the second string in a 3-0 win against Fulham in February and made his first start in the recent defeat against Nottingham Forest.
Full of pace, energy and skill, there is a real buzz around Mills and his development could be further aided by some first-team involvement ahead of next season.
Sam Alabi
Another youngster brought in from elsewhere, there was plenty of intrigue when the Magpies secured the services of the Oldham Athletic prospect and there have been some promising moments during his time on Tyneside.
Alabi made headlines when he was named in the first-team squad for the Champions League defeat in Marseille and he was an unused substitute on three other occasions in Premier League games with Manchester United and Burnley and an FA Cup tie with Bournemouth.
Alabi is working his way back from an injury that has limited his recent involvement but the England Under-17 international will hope to hit the ground running when he returns for pre-season.
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