Get the latest news from the city team, movement stories, adjustment updates, and research straight to your inbox, FREE
We have more newsletters
Get the latest City team news, move stories, fit updates and investigations delivered straight to your inbox, for FREE
We have newsletters
Newcastle United’s academy director Steve Harper has explained why the club moved to sign Alfie Harrison from Manchester City.
It was confirmed on Thursday that the 18-year-old midfielder has completed a permanent transfer to Newcastle. MEN Sport understands that City received a nominal fee as part of the transfer, with the club also inserting a 40 per cent sell-on clause into the deal that could be worth up to £3.5 million.
Harrison, considered one of the most talented players in City’s academy, will now play for Newcastle. The teenager scored 8 goals and provided 4 assists in just 8 appearances for City in the Premier League Under-18s this season.
It’s that form which Harper has cited as one of the reasons why Newcastle wanted to sign the talented midfielder. The academy director at St James’ Park went on to explain why he has been so impressed with Harrison’s attitude, as well as his footballing ability, during his time at City – and why he hopes the move will help transform Newcastle’s academy set-up.
READ MORE: City braces for deadline day drama
READ MORE: City Limit Day LIVE
One of Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth’s goals in the North East is to improve the Magpies’ career progression phase (PDP) so they can produce young players and not be reliant on cash from their Saudi owners. They have already enjoyed good luck. This season with the advancement of 17-year-old Lewis Miley, they are still a long way from City, who have had a routine of skill adding Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Rico Lewis and Oscar Bobb in recent seasons.
With FFP’s limitations hitting Newcastle, despite their wealth, they need to emulate City’s successes. “If I was a kid now, to see myself signing for Newcastle United, that’s what dreams are made of,” said Harrison, who had been at City since the age of nine. I’m looking forward to see what’s going to happen and how I can progress in the coming years.
“We are very pleased to get Alfie signed,” Harper said on the Newcastle club’s website. “His preference for setting up Newcastle United and continuing his progression here was evident from the start.
“He is a passionate and talented player who we are looking to welcome to the club and eventually see him in a black and white shirt. The signing of Alfie is part of a strategic move to rejuvenate our PDP group, i. e. the under-21s “, and I would like to thank the board and all stakeholders within the club who have made this resolution possible. “
Harrison will now sign up for Newcastle’s PDP squad following his departure from City. Then it will be through manager Eddie Howe if the midfielder deserves to have a first-team chance.