Newcastle United’s academy is set to receive a significant boost with the imminent signing of Leo Shahar, an English full-back from Premier League rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Newcastle United’s sporting director, Dan Ashworth, has made ambitious changes within the academy setup, both on and off the pitch, over the past year. These changes have seen the recruitment of key scouting and youth development personnel from various top clubs, highlighting the club’s commitment to improving productivity and nurturing young talents.
Leo Shahar, a talented 16-year-old right-back, has been making waves at Wolverhampton Wanderers’ under-18s squad, showcasing his skills and potential in 15 league appearances last season, with two goals to his name. Newcastle United has identified Shahar as a promising addition to their ranks, and negotiations between the two clubs are reportedly ongoing.
This potential signing demonstrates Newcastle’s dedication to building a forward-thinking project under their wealthy Saudi owners. While the club has made some high-profile signings like Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, and Alexander Isak for their first team, they are also investing in youth development, ensuring a sustainable future.
Newcastle United’s recent focus on securing young talents like Shahar underscores their understanding of the financial restrictions imposed by the Premier League and UEFA. Developing top-quality youth players can be a valuable strategy to build a competitive squad without breaking the bank.
For Wolverhampton Wanderers, losing a young prospect like Shahar would undoubtedly be a blow, given the potential he has showcased on the field. However, the Magpies’ determination to secure Shahar speaks volumes about his quality and the bright future that lies ahead of him.
Leo Shahar’s international experience with the England Under-16s further adds to his credentials. Having represented his country ten times at the youth level, Shahar has already gained valuable exposure and developed his skills on the international stage.
As Shahar looks poised to make the switch to St James’ Park, it’s clear that he sees Newcastle United as the ideal destination for continuing his development.
The club’s commitment to nurturing young talents, combined with the allure of working under the tutelage of experienced coaches and staff, likely played a pivotal role in persuading Shahar to make this career-defining move.
