Newcastle United might just have found their next big star, and his name is Sean Neave. The 18-year-old forward is starting to make serious noise in the academy ranks after delivering another standout performance for the club’s Under-21 side.
On Wednesday night, Neave scored a sensational 24-minute hat-trick to help Newcastle’s youngsters claim a 3-1 win over Boston United in the National League Cup.
It was a night that reminded everyone why the young striker is considered one of the brightest prospects in the Magpies’ setup.
Neave opened the scoring from the penalty spot before showing his instinctive finishing ability with two more goals in quick succession.
By halftime, he had already wrapped up his hat-trick, sealing another strong result for the Under-21s, who now have two wins from two in the competition.
Boston managed to pull one goal back through Frankie Maguire in the second half, but the young Magpies held firm to secure a comfortable victory. It was also Adam Lawrence’s first win since taking over as Newcastle’s Under-21 lead coach last month, adding an extra layer of satisfaction to the night.
This performance was no fluke. Neave’s form this season has been nothing short of impressive. After scoring 11 goals across all competitions at academy level last year, he’s continued to improve, already netting seven goals in his first eight matches of the 2025/26 campaign.
Despite this hot streak, he’s yet to make his competitive senior debut for Newcastle, though he came close several times last season. The teenager was named on the bench for multiple key fixtures, including the Carabao Cup final, where Newcastle defeated Liverpool at Wembley.
That experience alone makes Neave one of the few players in football history to hold a major trophy medal before making a senior appearance a quirky yet remarkable stat that sums up his potential rise.
With the club heading into a busy period after the international break, Eddie Howe will certainly have Neave on his radar. Newcastle’s attacking depth has been tested this season.
Yoane Wissa, who arrived on deadline day, has yet to play a minute due to a knee injury sustained on international duty. The club expects him to return within the next month, but his exact comeback date remains unclear.
Fortunately, Nick Woltemade’s start to life on Tyneside has softened that blow. The £65 million signing from Stuttgart has scored four goals in five starts, quickly winning over supporters.
Meanwhile, young Danish forward William Osula has chipped in with three goals and an assist in his last two starts across all competitions, offering Howe more attacking flexibility.
Still, with injuries and a congested schedule, there’s growing talk that Neave could soon be handed a senior opportunity and it might come on the biggest stage of all.
Newcastle’s upcoming Champions League clash against Benfica could see the youngster earn a spot on the extended 12-man bench. Under UEFA rules, clubs are allowed to name additional players on “List B” a category reserved for Under-21 players who have been with the club for at least two years.
Neave qualifies under those guidelines, meaning Howe could easily call him up without affecting the main squad list.
Several of Newcastle’s promising youngsters have already benefited from this rule. Goalkeeper Max Thompson was added to “List B” to meet UEFA’s goalkeeper quota, while defender Alex Murphy has been named on the bench in both of the club’s previous Champions League fixtures.
Midfielders Lewis Hall and Lewis Miley are also included on the list due to their age, though Hall’s ongoing hamstring issue means a temporary absence could open the door for Neave to step in.
Even if he doesn’t make the senior bench, Neave is expected to feature prominently for Newcastle’s Youth League side, which will face Benfica on the same day as the senior fixture.
Either way, his rapid development hasn’t gone unnoticed by Howe and his coaching team. The Newcastle boss has spoken highly of the teenager, praising his natural eye for goal and his attitude in training.
Howe once said of the young striker, “We’ve used him in different roles, but what I’ll say is he’s a goalscorer. In training and practice games, he always finds a way to pop up with a goal that’s a great quality to have.”
The manager also emphasized the importance of patience with Neave, noting his physical development is still in progress. “He’s very young, and I sometimes need reminding of that.
He’s competing at a high level technically, but physically he still has to grow and become stronger. Once that happens, and he settles into a set position, he’ll be an even better player.”
That position now appears to be as a central striker. While Neave has been used out wide in the past, his recent performances through the middle have showcased his natural instincts and finishing ability.
The composure he displayed in front of goal against Boston United highlights exactly why many inside the club believe he could one day lead the line for the senior team.
For now, the focus will be on consistency and development, but it’s clear that Newcastle United may have unearthed another future star.
If Neave continues scoring at this rate, it’s only a matter of time before Eddie Howe gives him his long-awaited first-team debut perhaps even on a Champions League night under the lights, where legends are made.
