Newcastle United’s transformation under new ownership and Eddie Howe has been nothing short of extraordinary. Taking over from the stagnation of the Mike Ashley era and the struggles under Steve Bruce, the challenge ahead was immense.

The immediate priority was survival, as the club faced the looming threat of relegation. Eddie Howe not only steered the team to safety but also delivered one of the best runs of form in the Premier League during the second half of the 2021/22 season.

His impact extended beyond mere survival, laying the foundation for long-term success and rebuilding the club in a way that had been neglected for over a decade and a half.

The lack of investment under Ashley meant that Newcastle had been left behind in multiple areas, from first-team recruitment to academy development.

The new owners recognized the need for an overhaul at all levels, ensuring not just short-term success but also a sustainable future. While the immediate transformation at the first-team level has been remarkable, the progress behind the scenes in youth development is equally exciting.

The club has invested heavily in its academy, improving facilities, enhancing coaching standards, and strengthening its scouting network. Unlike in the past, where young talent was rarely brought in with serious intent, Newcastle is now actively paying transfer fees and compensation to secure some of the brightest prospects in English football.

A perfect example of this progress was on display in Spain, where Newcastle’s young stars showcased their potential on the international stage. England’s Under-16s are currently competing in a four-team tournament at the Pinatar Arena, and on Friday, they delivered a dominant performance against a highly rated Colombia side, securing a 4-0 victory.

Goals from Chelsea’s Ryan Kavuma-McQueen, Leicester’s Jeremy Monga, and Wolves’ Jashayde Greenwood highlighted England’s attacking prowess, but it was Newcastle’s Sam Alabi who stole the spotlight as the standout performer.

Alabi, a highly promising midfielder, joined Newcastle in July 2023 from Oldham Athletic after turning 14. Despite still being only 15, he has already made a name for himself with impressive performances for the club’s Under-18s and has even been invited to train with the first team.

His commanding presence in midfield against Colombia demonstrated why he is considered one of the most exciting prospects in the country. His development under Newcastle’s revamped academy system is a testament to the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent.

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Another emerging star making waves at Newcastle is Michael Mills, a talented attacking player who joined the club from Port Vale in August 2023. Now 16, Mills has been a standout performer for the Under-18s, showcasing his pace and technical ability.

Against Colombia, he continued to impress, reinforcing his status as a player to watch for both Newcastle and England. His rapid progress since arriving at the club reflects the enhanced training and development opportunities available to young players under the new regime.

Completing the trio of Newcastle representatives in the England Under-16 lineup was goalkeeper George Mair, another promising talent with a bright future. Unlike Alabi and Mills, Mair was already part of the Newcastle academy when the club’s ownership changed.

Spotted locally in Darlington, he has benefited from the significant investments made in coaching and facilities over the past few years. His clean sheet against Colombia only added to his growing reputation, and with continued development, he could be a key figure for Newcastle and England in the years ahead.

England’s Under-16s will continue their tournament campaign with matches against Denmark on Sunday and France on Wednesday, providing further opportunities for Newcastle’s young stars to showcase their abilities on the international stage.

The presence of multiple Newcastle players in the England setup across various age groups highlights the club’s rapid progress in youth development.

It is now common to see Newcastle representatives from the senior team, such as Lewis Hall, Anthony Gordon, and Tino Livramento, all the way down to the younger age groups, a clear indication of the club’s growing influence in English football.

Eddie Howe and Newcastle’s owners have had to play catch-up across all levels since taking over in late 2021. The progress made at the senior level has been evident, with the club establishing itself as a competitive force in the Premier League.

However, the work being done at the academy level is just as important. While the impact of these investments may not be immediately visible to most fans, the long-term benefits will become apparent when these young talents start breaking into the first team.

The days of Newcastle being an afterthought in English football’s youth development conversation are over. The club is now positioning itself as a destination for top young talent, ensuring a bright future for years to come.

The transformation at Newcastle United is about more than just high-profile signings and immediate success. It is about building a sustainable model that ensures long-term competitiveness.

The investment in youth development is a crucial part of that vision, and the emergence of players like Alabi, Mills, and Mair is a testament to the club’s progress. As these young talents continue to develop, Newcastle fans can look forward to a future where homegrown stars play a key role in the club’s success.

The work being done now will shape the next generation of Newcastle United, ensuring that the club remains a powerhouse in English football for years to come.