01 February 2024 , 16:15
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Newcastle United have completed the signing of Manchester City youngster Alfie Harrison on transfer deadline day.
The 18-year-old is the only signing the Magpies have made during the winter window following a busy summer that saw the arrivals of Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento, in addition to Yankuba Minteh, Cathal Heffernan and Travis Hernes. From the outset of January, it was made clear the Toon Army would be unable to maintain such activity without outgoing transfers as they looked to operate within the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules.
Kieran Trippier, Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron were all linked with departures from St James' Park but have ultimately stayed. As the clocked ticked down Eddie Howe admitted he would be pleased to retain his squad such would be the difficulty of finding new signings.
Following Newcastle 's midweek win over Aston Villa, the Newcastle boss didn't expect any movement in the north east. He said: "I expect to be finished for the window. I think there’s now very little time left to be able to do anything, whether in or out.”
“That’s where it stands. I don’t think we have the ability to do anything. As far as I know at the moment, there’s nothing going to happen, although there’s still time left.”
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Earlier in January, Howe acknowledged FFP rules as a 'frustration for everyone connected with us', with Newcastle unable to take advantage of their financial resource. The former Bournemouth coach accepted that his team are 'acting in the way we can'.
Newcastle's ambitions move beyond simply strengthening the first team however, with the signing of Harrison indicative of their approach to the club as a whole. The Geordies have been determined to improve their academy offering, while injuries have ensured more opportunities for the likes of Lewis Miley this term.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JANUARY 09: Head of the Newcastle United Academy Steve Harper (L) chats to ex teammate Nolberto Solano during the Premier League 2 match between Newcastle United and Aston Villa at Whitley Park on January 09, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images) (Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)Last summer Newcastle saw the arrivals of Paul Midgley and Paul McLaren from Manchester City as head of youth recruitment and head of national youth scouting 13s to 18s respectively as part of a restructure. Former goalkeeper Steve Harper holds the role of academy director and explained that Harrison's arrival, in a deal could reach up to a reported £3.5million, continues to be part of a wider plan.
He said: "We are delighted to secure Alfie's signature. His hunger to represent Newcastle United and continue his development here was obvious from the outset.
"He's a passionate, talented player who we are really looking forward to welcoming to the club and ultimately seeing in a black and white shirt. Alfie's signing is part of a strategic move to make our Professional Development Phase group younger, particularly the Under-21s, and I would like to thank the board and everybody involved at the club in making this move happen."