Newcastle United are on the verge of completing a deal for West Ham teenage right-back Kyle Healy-Matthews, with the 16-year-old arriving at St James' Park for talks on Monday. The transfer is now going through the usual formalities and is expected to be ratified by the Premier League within the next fortnight.
Academy signing set for professional deal
Healy-Matthews will initially join as a first-year scholar, but the club plans to offer him a professional contract once he turns 17 later this year. The move underscores Newcastle's commitment to snapping up the country's top young talent, as the club continues to invest in its youth development.
Chronicle Live understands that Newcastle are targeting two or three more academy signings this summer, with youth team chiefs working to strengthen both the Under-18 and Under-21 squads.
Summer departures and retained players
The arrival of Healy-Matthews comes as a replacement for released right-back Ezra Tika-Lemba. The Magpies have also parted ways with several other Under-18 players, including Will Anderson, Thomas Bryant, Jude Cogdon, Kayden Lucas, Alex O'Donovan, Matthew Taylor, and Mo Waddani.
At the Under-21 level, Joe Brayson, Adam Harrison, Alfie Harrison, Charlie McArthur, Darren Palmer, James Taylor, and Max Thompson have left the club earlier this summer.
Academy Director Steve Harper thanked the departing players, saying: "I want to extend my thanks to all the players moving on from the Academy this summer. They have all made positive contributions during their time here and they are all well placed to continue their football journey on the back of the platform they’ve built. Our support for each of them will continue as they take their next steps. The Academy remains a resource for them and I look forward to seeing where their journeys take them. On behalf of everyone at the football club, we wish them every success for the future."
Newcastle have activated options to retain Dylan Charlton, Scott Bailey, Johnny Emerson, and Luke Craggs at the Under-21 level for next season, with all other Under-21 players set to remain with the academy beyond this summer.
