I was shocked at leaving Newcastle United this summer - now I want to prove myself
The former Manchester City forward was released from Newcastle United without making a competitive first-team appearance.
Alfie Harrison admits his release from Newcastle United came as a shock.
There was a lot of intrigue around Harrison following his move from Premier League rivals Manchester City in February 2024, but he departed in the summer without making a competitive senior appearance.
The 20-year-old started the campaign without a club before signing for Scottish Premiership side Dundee earlier this month after impressing on trial. He made his debut last weekend as a 66th-minute substitute in the 2-2 draw at home to Rangers.
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Harrison is under contract at Dundee until January, with an option to extend his stay.
Alfie Harrison admits shock at Newcastle United release
Now that the Bradford-born forward has secured a new club, he has opened up about his Newcastle exit, admitting the decision came as a shock but has given him extra motivation to prove himself.
“It was something I’ve never really experienced in my career before,” Harrison told The Courier. “It does shock you, but it’s all part of the game, and it’s stuff you’ve got to overcome.
“Obviously, it’s not something a player would want to go through, but sometimes something like that makes you realise it’s the reality. It made me more eager to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”
The move to Dens Park is Harrison’s first taste of senior football, having spent the majority of his two-and-a-half years at Newcastle in the under-21s set-up.
“Men’s football is what I’ve needed for a long time,” Harrison continued. “Coming through the ranks, being at [Man] City, obviously your name blows up.
“Then over time it can get quieter but now it’s probably the hungriest I’ve ever been to prove myself – I see it as a real opportunity to push on and do really well.
“As soon as I heard about the Dundee opportunity, I thought there was no way I wasn’t going to take that chance and I backed my ability to show what I’m about.
“I’m thankful they liked what they were seeing but it’s just down to me now to keep proving myself and hopefully I can go a long way.”