Newcastle United have done a fantastic job recruiting youth in the last three years.
After years of neglect in Newcastle’s academy, there now looks to be a sense of ambition and a clear pathway into the first team for young players.
Before the takeover, Newcastle United fans only saw the Longstaff brothers emerge as regular first-team players after coming through the academy. Other than that fans will struggle to name many other players who have come through to become a frequent feature for the Magpies.
In 2025, Eddie Howe welcomed 18-year-old Lewis Miley into Newcastle’s first-team squad with open arms – a decision that has proven to be successful given how well the young midfielder has played at such a young age.
Miley scored against Nottingham Forest last week in his first start in over a year after struggling with injuries. Howe knows Miley’s potential but has admitted that Newcastle must ensure his transition into first-team football is smooth rather than throwing him into the deep end.
Newcastle continue to develop their youth setup, and fans believe they’ve found the next star who could soon be in contention for first-team football.
Newcastle fans rave about Garang Kuol after under-21s performance
Garang Kuol will be understandably frustrated with his start at Newcastle. The 20-year-old was loaned out for his first two seasons at the club but has now enjoyed playing regular football for Newcastle’s under-21s under Diarmuid O’Carroll who looks to have made a positive impact following Ben Dawson’s departure.
Kuol played his part in goals during Newcastle under-21s’ win against Stoke City on Friday night, including a sensational bit of play to assist the young Magpies second goal of the evening.
Newcastle fans took to X to commend the Australian for his performance.
“This performance from Garang Kuol has been a privilege to watch up close tonight for Newcastle U21s.” said one fan, while another added: “Kids too good for academy football he’s played at a World Cup, shame about the loans where he was unlucky by the looks of it.”
This fan highlighted Kuol’s return to football in Newcastle, saying: “Said for ages what the lad needed was to just be at the club playing for the u21, and he’s starting to kick on and find his confidence now.”
“We need to try him.” said this eager Newcastle fan.
Another fan added: “So many quick to write him off was a shame, was always a raw talent but great to see him enjoying things again, the loans did him no favours. Some players are late bloomers. Hope he keeps thriving.”
Finally, this fan said: “Should be at least tried on our bench in the main team.”
Two other Newcastle youth stars shine at Whitley Park
While it was Kuol who garnered a lot of praise on social media, two other young Toon stars also left their mark on the game in great fashion.
Alfie Harrison and Joe Brayson both scored braces on Friday night to help the under-21s secure a 4-1 win. Harrison joined Newcastle from Manchester City in January 2024 for £3m and is starting to show signs of being the player he can be.
Harrison could leave Newcastle on loan in the summer to give him more opportunities to play regular first-team football. There is a lot of hype around the midfielder, and his performance on Friday night was evidence of that.
Brayson is the son of former Newcastle striker Paul, who played for the Magpies between 1995 and 1998 before moving to Reading. Brayson is aiming to follow in his father’s footsteps and play for Newcastle’s first team in the near future.
His brace against Stoke on Friday is bound to have caught the eye of sporting director Paul Mitchell, who was at the game.
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