Newcastle's best young academy players in 2024/25 [ranked]

Newcastle United's academy has received some much-needed attention since the PIF takeover of the club.

With new staff, facilities, and a newfound synergy between the academy and Eddie Howe's senior men's team, more young prospects are viewing a pathway to first-team minutes at St. James' Park.

Last season saw Lewis Miley emerge as one of the Premier League's most exciting young talents, and this season could see others follow in the footsteps of the 17-year-old England youth international.

Under Dan Ashworth's stewardship as sporting director, Newcastle invested heavily in recruiting talent from other academies.

Paul Mitchell, Newcastle's new sporting director, has committed to continue improving the talent in Newcastle's academy with a blend of home-grown and important talent from other academies across the UK and Europe.

We have a look at Newcastle's youth academy, which is headed up by former Newcastle goalkeeper, Steve Harper, bringing you the best young players at Newcastle to watch out for in 2024/25.

5. Cathal Heffernan

• Joined Newcastle United from AC Milan in August 2023.
• Regularly captains Newcastle's under-21s squad.
• Represented the Republic of Ireland at multiple youth levels.
• Strong centre-back with great defensive and leadership qualities.

Who is Cathal Heffernan?

Cathal Heffernan is an Irish centre-back who joined Newcastle United in the summer of 2023 after leaving AC Milan.

The teenage defender quickly established himself as a key figure in the Magpies' under-21 squad, where he has captained the side on numerous occasions.

Known for his leadership and composure, Heffernan has shown he can handle the pressure of high expectations.

What’s Heffernan’s background?

Heffernan made his senior debut for Cork City at the age of 16 in October 2021, catching the attention of Serie A giants AC Milan, where he initially joined on loan in 2022 before making the move permanent.

His time in Italy helped him develop technically, but seeking more playing time, he opted for a move to Newcastle. After impressing during a trial with the under-21s in the 2023/24 pre-season, Heffernan signed a professional contract and made an immediate impact.

What can we expect from Heffernan in the future?

Heffernan’s maturity and leadership make him a standout prospect.

With experience in international youth setups and having already captained at under-21 level, he is on the verge of breaking into the first team.

His development will be closely watched by the Newcastle coaching staff, with a senior debut likely not far away.

4. Jamie Miley

• Miley made his first-team debut in a pre-season friendly against Gateshead in July 2023.
• Nominated for Premier League 2 Player of the Month in March 2024.
• Signed his first professional contract with Newcastle in the summer of 2022.

Who is Jamie Miley?

Jamie Miley is a central midfielder from Stanley, England, who has been with Newcastle United since he was a young boy.

Having joined the club's academy at a young age, Miley has steadily progressed through the ranks, making his under-21 debut in the 2021/22 Papa John's Trophy against Sheffield Wednesday.

He is also the older brother of fellow Newcastle prospect Lewis Miley.

What has Miley accomplished so far?

Jamie Miley has been a key player for Newcastle's under-18 and under-21 sides, notably captaining the team during the 2021/22 FA Youth Cup run.

His strong performances at youth level earned him a spot in the first-team squad during pre-season, where he made his senior debut in a friendly against Gateshead in July 2023.

His form continued to impress, leading to a nomination for Premier League 2 Player of the Month in March 2024.

What’s next for Jamie Miley?

Jamie Miley's development has been marked by his leadership and consistency in midfield.

With first-team training experience under his belt and a senior debut already made, Miley is on the verge of breaking through into the first team.

His progress will be closely monitored, especially in domestic cup competitions and as a potential option for squad rotation in the Premier League.

3. Travis Hernes

• Joined Newcastle United from Shrewsbury Town in September 2023.
• Made his senior debut for Newcastle in May 2024 during a post-season tour.
• Scored on his professional debut for Shrewsbury Town at age 16.

Who is Travis Hernes?

Travis Hernes is a highly-rated central midfielder who arrived at Newcastle United in September 2023 from Shrewsbury Town.

His move to the Premier League club followed a standout start to his career, where he made his senior debut for Shrewsbury at just 16.

Known for his technical ability and vision, Hernes has already begun making strides at Newcastle, including appearances in senior squads.

What has Hernes accomplished so far?

Hernes made headlines early in his career by scoring just ten minutes into his professional debut for Shrewsbury during an EFL Trophy match in 2022. His performances earned him a move to Newcastle, where he has been gradually integrated into the first-team environment. After featuring on the bench in an FA Cup victory and making his senior debut during a post-season tour in Australia, Hernes is firmly on the radar for more first-team action.

Hernes’ ability to control the tempo of a game and his knack for making decisive plays make him a strong candidate for future first-team inclusion. As Newcastle balances domestic and European commitments, Hernes could see more opportunities to shine, especially in cup competitions.

2. Alfie Harrison

• Joined Newcastle United from Manchester City in February 2024.
• Highly-rated for his attacking contributions at youth level.
• Won the Under-18 Premier League title with Manchester City in 2022-23.

Who is Alfie Harrison?

Alfie Harrison is a promising midfielder who joined Newcastle United from Manchester City in early 2024. Known for his versatility and effectiveness in the final third, Harrison has quickly integrated into Newcastle's Professional Development Phase (PDP) and is seen as a future star for the Magpies.

What has Harrison achieved so far?

Harrison started his footballing journey with Manchester City, joining their academy at the age of nine. He played a key role in City's Under-18 Premier League title win in the 2022-23 season, contributing eight goals and four assists. His performances earned him a move to Newcastle, where he has continued to impress with his goal-scoring and playmaking abilities.

What can we expect from Harrison in the future?

Harrison’s comments on joining Newcastle reflect his ambition and passion for the game. Describing himself as an "effective player who can add goals and assists," Harrison is eager to push on with his career at St. James' Park. His versatility makes him a valuable asset, and with his determination, he could quickly ascend to first-team contention.

1. Trevan Sanusi

• Joined from Birmingham City in the summer of 2023.
• England under-17 international.
• Scored on his under-21 home debut for Newcastle.

Who is Trevan Sanusi?

Trevan Sanusi is an electrifying winger who joined Newcastle United from Birmingham City in 2023.

Sanusi has already made an impression at the club, showcasing his flair and goal-scoring ability at the under-21 level.

The young forward is known for his pace, dribbling, and creativity on the ball, making him a nightmare for defenders.

What’s Sanusi’s career trajectory?

Sanusi has been a standout at various youth levels, including England's under-17 team. After joining Newcastle, he quickly adapted to the under-21 setup, scoring on his home debut.

His performances in the 2023/24 UEFA Youth League and FA Youth Cup highlighted his potential, though an untimely meniscus injury ruled him out of the 2024 European Championship finals with England's under-17s.

Sanusi has all the tools to become a key player for Newcastle's first team in the coming years.

His ability to beat defenders and contribute goals could see him fast-tracked into senior action, especially with Newcastle’s focus on youth integration.

As Newcastle United and Eddie Howe go into the 2024/25 Premier League season, fans of The Magpies can be excited about the young talent ready to emerge from their youth academy.

Fans of the North Eastern club will be hoping that some, if not all, of the players on this list can go on to become first team regulars. Following in the footsteps of players like Lewis Miley, Sean Longstaff, and Elliot Anderson.

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