Newcastle United have announced that a first professional contract has been agreed with one of the club’s academy players.
Newcastle United winger Sammy Pinnington has signed his first professional contract with the club on his 17th birthday.
Pinnington plays primarily as a right winger for Newcastle at Under-18s level after recovering from a long-term hamstring injury.
The teenager joined United’s academy from Luton Town as a 14-year-old and has now signed a three-year professional contract on Tyneside.
Sammy Pinnington reacts to Newcastle United pro deal
Pinnington told the Newcastle club website: “It feels great to sign my first professional contract.
“It’s been something I’ve wanted to do since I’ve been really young so I’m very happy to sign it, especially with Newcastle.
“The club has got great staff, facilities and I like the journey that the club is going on at the moment. I’ve been here since 14 and they’ve helped me in so many ways, especially after moving up away from home so I didn’t want to go anywhere else.”
Since Pinnington’s arrival at Newcastle, he has watched on as academy stars like Lewis Miley and Elliot Anderson have progressed into regular members of Eddie Howe’s first-team squad. Anderson has since left Newcastle to join Nottingham Forest and is now a full England international.
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Howe believes there is a pathway for players to move up from the academy into his first-team set-up having involved the likes of Trevan Sanusi, Leo Shahar and Sean Neave in training and first-team squads in 2025.
Pinnington added: “Making the decision to join Newcastle was 100% worth it! I can’t speak on behalf of every team but Newcastle has helped me progress both as a player and person and they are the reason why I’m doing as well as I am right now.
“For this season, I want to focus on doing the best I can in every game and training session to see where that can take me.
“I’m aiming to play for the first-team at St. James’ Park – that’s an ambition in the long-term future – and something I really want to do.”
Newcastle United academy director Steve Harper comments on pro deal
Newcastle academy director Steve Harper commented: “Signing his first professional contract is an important milestone for Sammy and one he fully deserves after the progress he has made throughout his time in the Academy.
“Sammy has approached his development with real focus and professionalism, reflecting the standards we look for in young players preparing for the next step in their career.
“We look forward to supporting him as he continues to grow and challenge himself within a demanding and supportive setting.”
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