Newcastle United complete striker move as former Everton player pictured signing contract
Newcastle United have bolstered their academy this week with two youngsters confirming their arrivals.
The Magpies have handed out scholarships to Clevedon Town striker Kayden Lucas and former Everton defender Aaron Epia. A new influx of players are expected to arrive after 13 players were let go on July 1. Lucas, better know as ‘Chumpy’, had previously trained with Newcastle after scoring four goals in match watched by scouts. The 16-year-old netted nine times in six appearances for Clevedon’s under-18s.
“I’m over the moon for Chumpy,” said Seasider’s manager Alex White. “He’s chasing a dream, and this is a very positive step in that direction. He’s a humble lad and has a brilliant attitude with obvious talent, but now the hard work starts for him. “It’s been a pleasure to have him as part of the club and help in a small way on his journey. For the club, it’s obviously a great story and emphasizes the strong pathway and platform we provide for young players to develop and for their talents to be recognized and showcased, but all the credit for this one belongs to our Under 18 Manager Lee Archer.”
Archer, a former professional with Bristol Rovers, added: “He’s raw and he’s got lots to work on, but as a club it’s what you want with a kid at his age.
“Chumpy deserves it all for the hard work he’s put in and for never giving up. The thing with Chumpy is he’s such a lovely lad and an amazing individual; as a person he’s well rounded, confident but not arrogant and he has his feet firmly on the ground.
“I know it won’t go to his head and I know Newcastle will treat him properly and if it’s right off the field for Chumpy, his head will be in the game on the pitch. ’m really excited to see what happens next, but we’ll stay in touch, and we’ll always be here for him.”
Meanwhile, as previously reported by NewcastleWorld, 16-year-old Epia joins after turning down a new contract at Everton. Epia was recently on trial with the Magpies having appeared as a substitute in under-18s matches against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds United.
Confirming his arrival via Instagram, Epia wrote: “Happy to officially sign for @nufc ⚫️⚪️”