Two months ago it seemed like the academy players had nothing to play for. Bright young stars such as Matty Longstaff, Dan Barlaser and Freddie Woodman were all but out the door. Players like Tom Allan were left on the bench as the first team were struggling for goals, crying out for a cutting edge. But now, following a long winded epiphany, Newcastle have tied down their prized youth assets.
Matty Longstaff, the most high profile case, proved to be the most dramatic, with the 20-year-old's contract actually expiring before he put pen to paper. Concerns not just about salary, but about playing time, since manager Steve Bruce, is determined to add yet more depth in the centre of the park. The two-year-contract Matty signed, was admittedly shorter than most were expecting and brings him into line with elder brother Sean's length of time remaining on his deal. It allows the club to see if Matty will develop into the real deal, or burn out with a whimper like many have before him. It also allows Matty to see if the club allow him Premier League minutes in order for him to develop.
A new three-year-deal for Freddie Woodman was a welcome surprise. With Martin Dubravka nailing down the number one shirt, Karl Darlow still having another year left on his current deal, plus the arrival of third choice keeper, Mark Gillespie would have seen Woodman needing a miracle to be handed the chance to get in the sticks for Newcastle United.
The son of former United goalkeeping coach, Andy Woodman, Freddie excelled on loan at Swansea City last season and proved a popular figure in South Wales. Swans manager Steve Cooper, was desperate to keep Gareth Southgate's godson (footballing pedigree is not something that Freddie is short of) for another season, and that is exactly what has happened, with Woodman returning to the Liberty Stadium for another season on loan. A great move; guaranteed first-team football, at a good standard, with Woodman hopefully returning to Tyneside ready to challenge Martin Dubravka for the number one shirt.
Dan Barlaser was a surprise. No doubt about it, the midfielder impressed last season whilst on loan at Rotherham. But with Barlaser already 23-years-old, many would think the time would have passed for Barlaser to challenge the Newcastle first-team.
He maybe a late developer, or Steve Bruce may just want a proper look at the lad during pre-season, as full details of Barlaser's new contract haven't officially been confirmed by the club. With Bruce tying down Matty and the imminent arrival of former Burnley midfielder, Jeff Hendrick; opportunities will be at a premium, therefore it wouldn't surprise me to see Barlaser eventually head back out on loan.
Not everyone has been so fortunate though. Victor Fernandez who undoubtedly has masses of potential, was released earlier this summer.
Injuries took their toll on Fernandez, who had a frustrating stint on Tyneside to say the least. The 22-year-old Spaniard, has just signed for Romanian side, Viitorul, where if he can stay injury free, we may not have heard the last of him.
Tom Allan is another who has signed a new deal, and now gets a chance of a season of first-team football whilst on loan at Accrington Stanley. The 20-year-old forward has bundles of potential, so the move should provide vital experience.
So all of a sudden, the Newcastle academy might not be the worst place to be after all. Yes, we all know the academy is in dire need of extra investment, but young players can now see opportunities that Matty and Freddie will (hopefully) get. The first-team is already thriving with geordies too with Paul Dummett, the Longstaffs, and even Andy Carroll a positive influence. It a definitely area where our fans need to take an active interest in with lads like Yannick Toure, Kell Watts, and Jack Young next through the production line.
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