Newcastle United have confirmed scholarships for eight academy hopefuls.
Newcastle United academy director Steve Harper has congratulated eight young players for reaching a ‘major milestone’ in their club careers.
The Magpies have confirmed that eight youngsters have signed full-time scholarships at the club. It is the final step before being handed a first professional deal, which can only be confirmed once a player turns 17.
Newcastle have confirmed that Chukwudi Afumuzor, Theo Benjamin, Roman Dowell, Jayden Kouossu, George Mair, Leon Mukumbira, Alfie Seldon and Lesecond Yeutembip have all signed scholarships with the club. All eight will join up with Chris Moore’s Under-18s squad for the 2026/27 campaign.
Academy director Steve Harper.placeholder image
Academy director Steve Harper. | Getty Images
Academy chief Steve Harper said in a club statement: "Congratulations to each of the young players joining us as scholars this season.
"Stepping into a full-time football environment is a major milestone and our programme is built to guide them through every part of that transition, developing their football, supporting their education and helping them grow as people.
"We're excited to work with them and to see how they progress as they begin this next chapter at the Academy."
NUFC hoping to recruit more scholars
In addition to the eight aforementioned scholars, the club have also been strongly linked with 16-year-old forward Kyran Thompson following his release from Arsenal last week.
Newcastle previously tried to sign Thompson back in 2024, but the winger ended up joining Arsenal instead after leaving West Ham United’s academy set-up.
Kyran Thompson of Arsenal controls the ball whilst under pressure from Ljubo Puljic of FC Bayern Munich during the UEFA Youth League 2025/26 match between Arsenal FC and FC Bayern München at Meadow Park on November 26, 2025 in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images)placeholder image
Kyran Thompson of Arsenal controls the ball whilst under pressure from Ljubo Puljic of FC Bayern Munich during the UEFA Youth League 2025/26 match between Arsenal FC and FC Bayern München at Meadow Park on November 26, 2025 in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Thompson also recently posted an image of Newcastle Airport on his Instagram page, further fuelling speculation surrounding a potential move.
The club also have their sights set on West Ham academy defender Kyle Healy-Matthews.
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