Report: Newcastle could send Dylan Stephenson out on loan in January

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Dylan Stephenson scored for Newcastle against Al Hilal last week, and he could now be in line for a loan move in January.

The 19-year-old was one of five youngsters who made the trip to Saudi Arabia, and it was certainly one to remember for Stephenson. He scored Newcastle’s fifth in the Diriyah Season Cup clash, combining brilliantly with Ryan Fraser to net his first senior goal for the Magpies.

The forward was praised by Eddie Howe after the game, complimenting the ‘hard working‘ teenager for his efforts against Al Hilal.

Next on the agenda for Stephenson is a competitive goal in men’s football, be it for Newcastle or someone else. And he might get the chance to score for someone else if he is loaned out next month.

That is a possibility according to the Chronicle, who believe the forward could join Joe White in leaving St James’ Park temporarily when the transfer window opens in less than three weeks.

A loan move will be a vital stage in Stephenson’s development, as he looks to bridge the gap from Toon youth prospect to first team player.

Loaning out Stephenson will help Newcastle in the long run

At 19, Stephenson has shown that he knows how to score goals at youth level. He’s got five for the Under-21s this season, averaging a goal every other game in Premier League 2.

But we have seen plenty of academy players thrive at that level. Remember Elias Sorensen? He struggled to make the step up, and endured a couple of miserable loan spells away at Blackpool and Carlisle. Now he is playing in Denmark for Esbjerg.

Stephenson needs to ensure his Newcastle career doesn’t follow the same path, and he is better placed to continue his development given the state of the club following the takeover.

Dan Ashworth will play an important role in player development, and ensure that any youngster going out on loan is entering the right environment.

That will be essential for Stephenson if he does get a temporary move next month.

Last season we saw how much Elliot Anderson benefitted from a loan move to Bristol Rovers in League Two. Now he doesn’t look out of place in the Premier League.

Stephenson will hope to follow in Anderson’s footsteps, as he aims to become the next local lad to graduate from Newcastle’s academy.