Newcastle United new signings pictured at St James' Park after triple swoop

CJ Afumuzor spent eight years at Portsmouth and had reportedly attracted interest from the likes of Manchester United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Aston Villa before agreeing to join the Magpies.

Afumuzor, a midfielder, was part of Newcastle’s under-15s squad that travelled to Japan in August, where they lost 7-3 to a J-League representative team in Tokyo on Friday evening.

He has taken to social media to announce his move after posing for a picture alongside Lesecond Yeutembip and Leon Mukumbira pitch side at St James’ Park.

Yeutembip joins following seven years at Charlton Athletic. He too made the visit to Tokyo as part of the J-League International Series 2024.

"Huge thanks to my family, especially my mom, and to all the coaches who’ve supported me along the way," said Yeutembip. All praise to God - now it’s time to get to work!"

Meanwhile, Mukumbira, a striker who has arrived from Peterborough United, added: "I'd like to say thanks to everyone for getting me to where I am now. Thanks to my mum and my family, and we just thank God."

Even at under-15s level, Newcastle are looking to poach other clubs’ top talents. Last year, the academy recruited Sam Alabi from Oldham Athletic, Michael Mills from Port Vale, Sammy Pinnington from Luton Town and Kacey Wooster from Southend United.