Sky Sport: Newcastle United agree three-year deal with ‘goalscorer’ few had heard of until 2025
Emerging Talent Sean Neave Commits Future to Newcastle United with New Three-Year Contract
Newcastle United have taken a significant step toward securing the club’s long-term future by tying down one of their most exciting young prospects, Sean Neave, to a new three-year contract. The deal reflects the club’s growing faith in the 18-year-old forward, who has rapidly progressed through the ranks and impressed the first-team coaching staff—particularly head coach Eddie Howe—during the second half of the 2024/25 season.
Though Newcastle’s official announcement of the contract extensions was made as part of a broader update that also included fellow academy players Trevan Sanusi and Leo Shahar, specific terms of each agreement were not disclosed. However, insiders with close ties to the club have confirmed that Neave’s new deal secures his services on Tyneside for at least the next three years, underscoring the belief in his potential to become a mainstay in the senior squad.
Despite not yet making his competitive debut for the Magpies, Neave’s consistent development and standout performances at the youth level have brought him into close contact with first-team football. Throughout the 2025 calendar year, he became a regular presence in senior training sessions and was named among the substitutes on numerous occasions. One of the most notable milestones in his journey so far was his inclusion in the matchday squad for Newcastle’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley in March. While he remained on the bench for the match itself, Neave still earned a winner’s medal and participated in the celebratory scenes, including the trophy parade through the city—a memory that will no doubt fuel his ambition moving forward.
Looking ahead to the 2025/26 campaign, Neave is expected to play a more active role in pre-season preparations. Eddie Howe and his coaching team are committed to gradually integrating him into senior football, with hopes that he can follow in the footsteps of other homegrown talents such as Lewis Miley, who successfully transitioned into the first-team setup last season.
Neave’s performances at the academy level have left no doubt about his potential. In the previous season, he found the back of the net 11 times in just 13 appearances across the Under-18 and Under-21 squads—a strike rate that highlights his attacking instincts and technical quality. Known for his versatility in the final third, Neave has been deployed in a variety of attacking roles but has most often featured on the wing, where his speed, dribbling, and off-the-ball movement mirror the style of senior teammate Anthony Gordon.
His breakthrough moment came earlier this year in February, when he was called up to the senior squad to provide cover for Gordon, who was sidelined due to injury and suspension. Neave’s inclusion during this period was more than symbolic—he trained consistently with the senior players, adapted quickly to the demands of first-team football, and made a strong impression on the coaching staff through his performances in internal training matches.
Eddie Howe, speaking about Neave’s progression, praised both the youngster’s work ethic and his natural talent in front of goal. “Sean has been involved in a few different roles for us, and what really stands out is his ability to find the net,” Howe said. “He scores consistently during training and in behind-closed-doors matches, which is a rare and valuable trait at his age.”
Howe also highlighted Neave’s technical readiness, while acknowledging the physical development that still lies ahead. “Technically, he competes at a very high level already,” Howe explained. “Physically, there’s still some growing to do—he needs to build his strength and fill out his frame. We’re continuing to explore where he fits best in the long run, but we’re very encouraged by his overall development.”
The head coach, who has earned a reputation for nurturing youth talent and giving young players a clear route into the senior setup, believes Neave could be among the next wave of academy graduates to break through. The progression of Lewis Miley serves as a recent example of how patience, opportunity, and guidance can produce first-team regulars from within the club’s own ranks.
“There’s a clear and open pathway here for young players who show the right attitude and quality,” Howe added. “Sean Neave and Leo Shahar have been training with the senior squad and are doing exceptionally well. It’s now about continuing that progression and taking the opportunity when it comes.”
Right-back Leo Shahar, another player tipped for a breakthrough, has also trained with the first team and is viewed internally as a strong candidate to feature in the upcoming season. Meanwhile, Trevan Sanusi—an explosive winger who made his first-team debut in the FA Cup third-round victory over Bromley earlier this year—has seen his rise temporarily disrupted by injury but remains an important part of Newcastle’s long-term vision.
All three youngsters—Neave, Shahar, and Sanusi—have represented England at the Under-18 level, further highlighting their pedigree and the promise they bring to both club and country. With pre-season fixtures set for July and August, the trio is expected to play a prominent role as Howe blends young potential with the experience of established stars.
Newcastle United’s continued investment in its youth development system reflects a strategic shift toward sustainability and long-term success. As the club continues to rise in stature both domestically and in Europe, homegrown talent like Sean Neave is poised to play a crucial part in shaping its identity. His new contract is not just a reward for past performances—it’s a vote of confidence in what lies ahead.
For Neave, the next chapter begins now. And if his recent trajectory is any indication, the young forward might soon be more than just a promising name on the bench—he could be a regular contributor under the lights at St James’ Park.