Newcastle United sign talented Premier League youngster after farewell message

Newcastle United have completed the signing of England under-16s defender Leo Shahar from Premier League counterparts Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Shahar spent 10 years at Wolves and was very highly-rated having featured regularly at under-18s level last season, scoring twice in 15 league appearances.

The 16-year-old bid farewell to the Midlands club last month and NewcastleWorld understands a transfer to St James’ Park has been completed.

“I want to thank all the staff and players at @wolves that have helped support my development over the last 10 years,” Sahar wrote. “It’s been a great journey but now has come the time for me to move on , I want to wish the club all the best for the future ❤️”

During the course of last season, Shahar also spent time training with Wolves’ under-21s.

“Every time I watch [Sahar] playing for England he looks comfortable within the environment,” said Wolves head of player development Darren Ryan.

“We know how good he is technically and yes there are things he needs to improve on, but the more camps he’s on and the more call-ups he’s getting, the more comfortable he’s looking.

“His performances are really consistent with the under-18s and he’s getting opportunities now to train with the 21s on the school release days. It’s great to go and see him in that environment with some of the best players in the country.

“He’s been picked on a lot of recent camps because he’s very consistent. He’s performing for us and that’s being seen by the staff and coaches.”

Newcastle have made a number of academy additions this summer, including under-21s pair Cathal Heffernan and Reece Byrne.

Heffernan joined from Serie A giants AC Milan earlier this week, while his countryman Byrne arrived in June. Both players have represented the Republic of Ireland at youth level.

Meanwhile, Michael Mills of League One side Port Vale, Oldham Athletic prospect Sam Alabi and Kacey Wooster of Southend United have joined the Magpies’ academy ranks at under-15s and under-16s level.