'Signed' - Newcastle United complete midfielder swoop as Wolves exit announced in social media message
Newcastle United have further bolstered their academy - raiding Wolverhampton Wanderers for a second time.
Eighteen months ago, the Magpies poached Leo Shahar from the Black Country club before handing the 17-year-old his first professional contract last summer.
The right-back has established himself as a regular in the under-21s side, even captaining the side earlier in the season. He has also represented England at under-17s and under-18s since moving to Tyneside.
“Signing my first professional contract is everything I have dreamt of since I was a kid,” Shahar said last May. “To get that opportunity at such a big club like Newcastle United is outstanding and I’m hoping to keep pushing on.
“I’ve been getting great opportunities with the under-21s this season as well as playing in the UEFA Youth League and representing England (at under-17 level) so I thought that was such a big reason in wanting to commit my future here.
“Seeing the likes of [Kieran] Trippier and [Tino] Livramento playing well for the first-team makes me want to thrive and try to get into a similar position that they are in. The fans love those two and I want to push on to try and get into that spot. I’m going to work as hard as I can everyday on the training pitch to get to that spot.”
Newcastle United sign Fraser Harper
Also making a similar move from the Midlands is 18-year-old midfielder Fraser Harper.
Harper announced his departure from Wolves in September last year, writing on Instagram: “After 4 years at Wolves, it’s time for me to move on.
“I want to thank all the players and staff that have helped me on my journey. Its now time for me to start a new chapter❤️”
Bristol-born Harper first went on trial at Arsenal before linking up with Newcastle in November. He has since made five appearances for the under-18s and a brief cameo for the under-21s.
Harper’s arrival at Newcastle was confirmed on Friday after he signed up with CAA Base, the same agency Kieran Trippier is represented by,
CAA Base posted on Instagram: “Welcoming @fraserharper48 who recently signed for Newcastle United and started off with The Magpies with a goal against Nottingham Forest”.