On the day of the January transfer window, Newcastle United acquired the midfield player from Manchester City, a Premier League opponent.
Alfie Harrison has already set his eyes on breaking into the first squad and says he is “buzzing” to be joining Newcastle United.
The 18-year-old midfielder signed a two-and-a-half-year contract after joining from Premier League rival Manchester City on January transfer deadline day for an unknown price. Before deciding to relocate to the North East, Harrison is said to have drawn interest from West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton & Hove Albion, Celtic, Valencia, Borussia Dortmund, and Nice.
The young player’s first St. James’ Park experience came during the 4–4 draw with Luton Town earlier this month, which further strengthened his resolve to make the move work.
Harrison announced his arrival to the team’s matchday program, saying, “I’m excited to join such a big club in Newcastle United with such a big fanbase.” Everyone in Newcastle has such a strong enthusiasm for football, and if I keep working hard and moving forward, I think I have a bright future ahead of me.
“The interest that the club have shown in me was a really big factor in wanting to make the move and I really like the place. I’ve been to St James’ Park already and I have to admit, it did take me back a bit. I went to the game against Luton and the atmosphere inside the stadium was unbelievable.
“It really surprised me at how good it was and I was getting goosebumps just thinking just thinking what it would be like to be out there on the pitch myself.”
Harrison made his under-21 debut in December and has eight goals in eight Premier League under-18s games for Man City this season.
The move was facilitated in large part by Paul Midgley, Newcastle’s head of youth recruitment, who arrived from the Citizens in 2022. Talks revolved around Harrison’s obvious path to first-team football. “Leaving a club is part of football and whatever you think will get you to the next level, you will sacrifice that, but I will still make time for my family and see them a lot,” Harrison said.
“I’d been at Manchester City for nine years, joining the club’s academy when I was nine years old, so it’s all a new challenge moving up here but one I am relishing and really ready to try and grasp.
“I’d say my main strengths are scoring goals and being able to affect games. I feel like I am good to watch and I don’t like losing. I’m a winner so I’m very passionate. I believe in my own ability and you’ve got to be playing well to get those kind of opportunities but I believe I can do so.
“I think this season has gone well so far and I just need to continue that here at Newcastle. I want to break into Newcastle’s under-21s team and play at a high level, affecting games with goals and assists to help the team.
“In a few years, I’d like to be in the first team. If I was a kid now, looking at me signing for Newcastle United, it’s what dreams are made of. I’m really looking forward to what is coming and how I can progress in the coming years.”
Harrison played 60 minutes in Newcastle’s 2-1 loss to Liverpool last Saturday, marking his debut for the under-21 team.
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