Exclusive: Newcastle set to sign Muawiya Ghanem after beating Spurs to deal

Newcastle United Secure Promising Youngster Muawiya Ghanem in Academy Coup

The Magpies’ commitment to building for the future has taken another significant step forward with the acquisition of highly-rated England youth international Muawiya Ghanem.

Newcastle’s academy staff have pulled off something of a coup, beating several Premier League rivals—including a determined Tottenham Hotspur—to secure the West Bromwich Albion teenager’s signature.

Ghanem’s arrival continues Newcastle’s strategic investment in elite young talent, following last summer’s captures of Lesecond Yeutembip from Charlton Athletic and Jayden Kouossu from West Brom.

The 15-year-old midfielder, who operates primarily as a box-to-box number eight, has already said his goodbyes at The Hawthorns ahead of his move north.

His decision to join Newcastle’s setup over more established academies speaks volumes about the growing reputation of the club’s youth development program under the current ownership.

The England youth international—who has attended national team talent identification camps but awaits his first official Under-15 call-up—joins a carefully curated group of prospects at Newcastle’s training base.

His technical ability, tactical intelligence, and physical maturity for his age made him one of the most sought-after players in his age group, with multiple ‘Big Six’ clubs registering serious interest before Newcastle’s pitch won out.

This signing forms part of a deliberate, multi-layered strategy to strengthen every age group within the academy structure.

Only hours before news of Ghanem’s impending arrival broke, Newcastle confirmed professional contracts for two other rising stars—17-year-olds Matheos Ferreira and Aaron Epia.

Ferreira, an explosive wielder who contributed eight goals and six assists last season, and Epia, a ball-playing center-back recruited from Everton, represent the next wave of talent pushing toward first-team consideration.

Newcastle’s revamped youth recruitment network has become increasingly proactive since the takeover, identifying and securing promising players before they attract widespread attention.

The acquisitions of CJ Afumuzor (formerly of Portsmouth) and Kyle Fitzgerald (signed from Irish football) last year demonstrated this shift in approach, as did the club’s ability to fend off competition from Aston Villa, Brighton, and Manchester United for their services.

Ghanem’s development path will now fall under the watchful eye of Newcastle’s coaching staff, who have placed particular emphasis on nurturing technically gifted midfielders capable of adapting to Eddie Howe’s preferred style of play.

The club’s success in convincing the teenager to choose Tyneside over more traditional academy powerhouses suggests their long-term vision is resonating with both players and their representatives.

While immediate first-team opportunities remain some years away for Ghanem, his signing symbolizes Newcastle’s commitment to sustainable growth.

Rather than relying solely on expensive transfers to fuel their progression, the Magpies are building an infrastructure designed to produce homegrown talent capable of supplementing—and eventually starring in—the senior squad.

The club’s willingness to invest in youth extends beyond mere recruitment. Significant resources have been allocated to improving training facilities, expanding the scouting network, and implementing a cohesive playing philosophy throughout all age groups.

This holistic approach aims to create a seamless pathway from academy football to the Premier League, reducing the need for costly external signings in future windows.

With another academy addition reportedly close to completion, Newcastle’s youth revolution shows no signs of slowing.

Each new arrival strengthens the foundation upon which the club hopes to build lasting success, ensuring that the Magpies’ rise under their ambitious owners isn’t merely a flash in the pan, but the start of something truly transformative.

For Ghanem, the move represents both an opportunity and a challenge—the chance to develop within one of English football’s most upwardly mobile clubs, but also the pressure that comes with being part of a carefully constructed project with sky-high expectations.

If his early promise translates into consistent development, Newcastle may have secured another key piece of their future.