Newcastle United’s young talent Sam Alabi is quietly making a name for himself, catching the attention of manager Eddie Howe and the first-team staff.
The 16-year-old midfielder, who joined the club from Oldham Athletic at a young age, has once again been seen training with Newcastle’s senior squad at Benton during the international break a clear sign that his development is being closely watched by the coaching team.
Alabi first trained with the first team last season when he was just 15, an impressive achievement for someone his age.
Now, as he continues to grow in confidence and ability, Howe has given him another opportunity to show what he can do alongside the club’s senior players.
With many of the regulars away on international duty, the youngster seized the moment to leave a lasting impression.
What’s striking about Alabi is how quickly he’s adapted to higher levels of competition. After standing out with the Under-18s where he scored twice and provided two assists he earned a deserved promotion to the Under-21 side.
His composure and technical quality were again on display during Newcastle’s EFL Trophy match against Mansfield Town.
In a tightly contested 2-2 draw, Alabi’s involvement was vital as he confidently converted his penalty during the shootout to help Newcastle secure a 5-3 victory.
Despite his age, Alabi already shows the poise of a player far beyond his years. His versatility makes him even more valuable comfortable in midfield, capable of filling in at left-back, and dangerous on either wing.
His natural left foot gives him an edge, allowing him to deliver precise crosses and control the game’s tempo. Those qualities haven’t gone unnoticed by the England setup either, as he has already captained the England Under-17 national team, further underlining his growing reputation.
Eddie Howe has always been open about giving young players the chance to earn their place through merit and attitude.
Earlier this season, he emphasized that every training session is an opportunity for a youngster to prove themselves, stating, “You are looking for somebody to grab their opportunity and force their way into the squad. Every player that steps on to the pitch has that opportunity.”
For Alabi, that message seems to have sunk in perfectly. His work rate, maturity, and hunger to learn continue to impress the coaching staff.
The youngster will soon feature in Newcastle’s UEFA Youth League match against Benfica, another platform to demonstrate why he’s considered one of the club’s brightest prospects.
While much of the attention at Newcastle is naturally focused on first-team stars, Sam Alabi’s steady rise represents the club’s growing investment in youth development.
His progress is a reminder that some of the best success stories often begin quietly, away from the spotlight. If he keeps up this trajectory, Alabi could very well be the next academy graduate to make the leap into Eddie Howe’s first-team plans a hidden gem on the verge of shining even brighter.
