The World Cup finals could provide an opportunity for several Newcastle United youngsters to shine at senior level when Eddie Howe's first-team stars return to pre-season training next month.
Pre-Season Fixtures Taking Shape
The Magpies are still finalising their pre-season friendly schedule, with a meeting against Premier League rivals Everton at Murrayfield currently the only confirmed fixture ahead of the new Premier League campaign. However, United are believed to be in discussions with National League neighbours Gateshead over a friendly at the International Stadium, which is likely to mark the first friendly of the summer for Howe and his players.
With the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Dan Burn and Nick Woltemade all expected to be given time to recover from their World Cup exploits, Howe is almost certain to call upon several members of United's academy ranks.
Academy Prospects to Watch
The likes of Aidan Harris, Leo Shahar, Park Seung-Soo and Sean Neave all featured in first-team squads last season and seem certain to see senior action in pre-season. A return to the International Stadium would provide happy memories for Neave, who scored for the Magpies Under-21s in a National League Cup win against Gateshead last August.
However, Matheos Ferreira, Mason Miley, Miodrag Pivas and Rory Finneran could also come into consideration during the early days of pre-season. There is also an opportunity for Gateshead to take a first-hand look at possible loan additions, should Newcastle allow younger players to earn valuable game time in non-league football.
Under-21s Preparations
News is awaited on who Robbie Stockdale's Under-21s side could face during their own preparations for the 2026/27 season. The former Middlesbrough defender was in interim charge of the Magpies youngsters when they faced Hull City and National League North neighbours South Shields ahead of last season's Premier League 2 campaign. Stockdale will now look forward to his first full season in permanent charge, and Chronicle Live understands a friendly with National League North side Spennymoor Town could be on the agenda during the final week of July.
Academy Recruitment Drive
A flurry of speculation suggests the Magpies are on the verge of signing 16-year-old full-back Kyle Healy-Matthews from West Ham United. The academy star has already stepped up to Under-18s level and made six Under-18 Premier League appearances last season. A move to Tyneside is in the works, and the young defender is likely to be one of several additions to United's academy ranks, with the club expanding its scouting network.
Newcastle have already confirmed the signing of Ecuadorian winger Johan Martinez from Independiente del Valle, who will move to the North East next summer. Deals such as those for Healy-Matthews and Martinez are likely to be a sign of things to come as the Magpies build momentum across their youth setup.
Released Players Move On
The Magpies have confirmed several academy prospects will leave the club when their contracts end this month. Alfie Harrison, Ciaran Thompson, Adam Harrison, James Taylor, Thomas Bryant and Darren Palmer are preparing for life away from Tyneside. Striker Joe Brayson, son of former Magpies striker Paul Brayson, will depart after a loan spell at Morpeth Town. The 19-year-old has been offered a college scholarship in the United States and is relishing the opportunity to move across the pond.
Former Academy Star Set for Historic Season
Former academy defender Joe Oliver featured alongside Matty Longstaff, Jay Turner-Cooke and Lucas de Bolle before his release in 2023. After time with Blyth Spartans, he joined Hebburn Town last summer and was part of the squad that earned historic promotion to the National League North. Oliver has earned a new contract, and Hebburn boss Daniel Moore praised his attitude: "Joe Oliver was probably the unluckiest player in the squad because he started the season so well. He's one of the best one-on-one defenders I've seen at any level. He will be an important player for us next year."
