'I've seen that' - Newcastle United have signed £23m star's replacement in blow to Man Utd & Liverpool

The 17-year-old formed part of the senior squad in pre-season and took to it by storm, with his energy and unpredictable trickery making an exciting impression.

Whether it be in Germany versus SpVgg Unterhaching, a hot and humid Japan against Urawa Red Diamonds and Yokohama F.Marinos or on home soil facing Hull City, Girona and Stade Brestois, Sanusi was often the standout player among his senior peers.

How was pre-season, then? “Excellent,” replied Sanusi. “It's a dream come true to get in the first team. Since I came [to Newcastle] - it's only been a year - so I'm proud of myself for doing that and I just need to take my chances when I get them.”

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Sanusi played in front of 65,000 spectators across the Sela weekender at St James’ Park, coming on in the second-half of both games versus Girona and Brest.

“It was amazing,” he told NewcastleWorld. “With so many fans it's overwhelming. That was my first time at St James' playing in front of that many fans and I thought I played well.”

Newcastle saw off big interest to sign Sanusi

Sanusi reportedly attracted interest from the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City before moving to Tyneside from Birmingham City last summer. Why choose Newcastle?

“I saw a big project with young players coming through into the first team,” said Sanusi. “Lewy Miley making his debut, coming in and starting games and being effective in the team. I'm just trying to do the same thing and obviously make my debut one day. 

“It's difficult obviously going through the ranks with different age groups, with big differences from 18s to 21s to the first team. I'm just going to get my head down and keep working hard.”

Twelve months on and Sanusi’s decision to turn down big interest has seemingly been vindicated by his pre-season involvement.

Drawing comparisons to Allan Saint-Maximi

Considering his style and ability to, in the words of Eddie Howe, pull out “lots of tricks in his bank”, it came as no surprise to Sanusi when he heard of comparisons to former crowd favourite Allan Saint-Maximin.

Saint-Maximin left United 12 months ago in a reported £23m move to Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli. He is now currently on loan at Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce. 

“I've seen that [comparison],” Sanusi said. “Saint-Maximin is a great player who I obviously watched before I even came [to the club]. I saw him just before he left and I see a bit of similarities between me and him, a bit skilful but I'm just trying to be myself and get more goals and assists.

“I'm just trying my best. It's nice to see the crowd get a little bit hyped when I do a bit of skill but I'm just doing my thing. I'm not really worried about the fans but obviously if I'm doing well the fans will back that up.”

Eyes on breaking into the first-team

Howe has ruled out Sanusi leaving loan this summer with the club’s coaches preferring to keep him in house for now as they nurture his undoubted talent.

“I've just been here for a year and I'm only 17 so I think I've got a bit of time to think about that sort of stuff so I'm not really keen on that right now - I just want to break into the first team,” the Sanusi said.

The winger has already received plenty of advice from Howe and will continue to, as he balances training with the first-team and playing for the under-21s.

Sanusi added: “Get more physical, get bigger, the manager has said I'll need physicality in the Premier League because obviously it's going to be a bigger challenge against bigger players and better players.

“He's just trying to help me and wants me to get more goals. My goal for the season is to get more goals, more assists and be more effective in games. He's helped me with that aspect of things.”

With that mind, when does Sanusi hope to break into the first-team?

“As soon as possible really,” he said. “I'm just trying to take small steps to make sure I'm on top of my game and trying to improve on it. Every aspect of my game has to improve if I want to get there and be effective in the team.

“It's down to me ain't it? I'm just going to try my best and hopefully make it one day. 

“I'll be trying to get goals and get in the team, that's it really. If [Anthony] Gordon were to get injured or even on the right wing [Miguel] Almiron or [Jacob] Murphy gets injured I'll try to fill in their place.”