Newcastle United sanction defender exit - will link up with former Magpies favourites

Newcastle United youngster Charlie McArthur has agreed to join League Two side Carlisle United on loan for the remainder of the campaign.

A product of Kilmarnock’s academy, McArthur arrived on Tyneside for an undisclosed fee in July 2022. He initially linked up with the under-18s squad but rarely featured during his debut year because of a serious knee injury.

But during the last 18 months or so, the 19-year-old has impressed regularly for the under-21s, even captaining the side at the back end of last year. McArthur is highly-rated by Newcastle after they fought off competition from several Premier League clubs to sign him.

So rather than continue in the academy for the second half of the season, the Magpies have decided to loan McArthur out. And NewcastleWorld understands the Scotland youth international will link up with Carlisle, who are managed by former United defender Mike Williamson.

With Williamson adopting a possession-based style of play, McArthur’s ability on the ball as well as his other defensive qualities will hopefully stand him in good stead.

McArthur will also be in good company at Brunton Park after the Cumbrians last week announced the signing of former long-serving Newcastle defender Paul Dummett.

Dummett progressed through the Magpies’ academy ranks to make 213 first-team appearances across an 11-year period. The 33-year-old was released in June, initially signing a short-term contract with Wigan Athletic before penning a deal with Carlisle until the end of the campaign.

"I played with Paul so he's someone I know very well. He brings a lot of experience at a high level,” said Williamson.

"I think he'll be a really good influence on the changing room on and off the field. He's got obvious quality from playing at the highest level, we've just got to make sure we get him up to speed.

"He's fit in terms of being available, but he needs to work on his match fitness. It will take a bit of time to get fully up to speed, but he's someone who will be a massive help for everyone in the situation we are in."