Last month, we released our latest exclusive on another academy addition at Newcastle United, confirming that highly-rated centre-back Josh Kenchington was set to sign from Barnsley before it was snapped up by mainstream media.
The deal follows Newcastle’s moves for West Brom teenager Muawiya Ghanem and Liverpool’s Isaac Moran over the summer, seeing our academy snap up yet another England youth prospect.
Kenchington chose to join Newcastle despite rival interest from ‘big six’ sides like Man Utd and Spurs, and will soon slot into our Under-16 side, having just been named Barnsley’s Academy player of the year and representing England’s Under-15s.
Newcastle are expected to pay a fee in excess of £300,000, and the teenager himself has this week confirmed that he’s leaving boyhood club Barnsley, waving goodbye to the Yorkshire club as he prepares for life on Tyneside.
Confirming his exit and move north, he said: “Where do I start. 5 years at this great academy, filled with both ups and downs, a rollercoaster of emotions.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at the club, including academy staff, players, and every coach along the way, thank you all.
“I will never forget the memories made at my boyhood club and never forget how much I progressed. But it’s time now for the next chapter of my life. We move…”
The ball-playing defender already stands over six-foot tall and has been compared to former Barnsley Academy product John Stones for his ball-playing qualities and ability to use both feet.
Welcome to Tyneside, Josh!