Championship starlet confirms arrival at Newcastle United with St James’ Park social media post
Newcastle United Secure Talented Young Midfielder Muawiya Ghanem in Latest Academy Coup
Newcastle United have continued their impressive youth recruitment drive with the addition of highly promising midfielder Muawiya Ghanem, who will link up with the club’s academy ahead of the 2025/26 season.
The 14-year-old prospect, who previously developed at West Bromwich Albion, has confirmed his move to Tyneside via social media, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his fledgling career. Ghanem is expected to join Newcastle’s Under-15s squad and is regarded as a player with significant potential to progress through the club’s ranks.
Although Newcastle United have chosen not to make an official announcement regarding the transfer — a common practice for youth signings at this level — Ghanem himself revealed the news.
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From West Brom to Newcastle: A Young Star’s Journey
Earlier this month, Ghanem penned a heartfelt farewell to West Bromwich Albion, expressing gratitude for his time at the club and the experiences that shaped him.
> “As my time at West Brom comes to a close, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible experiences and memories I’ve gained here,” the teenager wrote on Instagram. “Thank you to everyone at West Brom for making this chapter of my life so special. Though it’s time for me to turn the page, I’ll always cherish the moments we shared. Wishing you all continued success in the future.”
Shortly after, the youngster shared a series of photos at St James’ Park, proudly holding a Newcastle United home shirt. His caption, “History Loading … Up the Toon ⚫️⚪️,” was accompanied by familiar hashtags such as #NUFC, #HowayTheLads, and #BlackAndWhite, signalling his excitement about the move.
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A Busy Summer for Newcastle’s Academy
Ghanem’s arrival is the latest in a string of signings as Newcastle bolster their youth setup. This summer, the club has confirmed scholarships for Oliver Goodbrand and Alfie Hutchison following their departure from Rangers, while Isaac Moran has joined on a first-year scholarship after leaving Liverpool.
The Magpies have also tied down highly-rated youngsters Antonio Cordero and Seung-Soo Park to professional contracts. Cordero has since gone out on loan to Belgian outfit KVC Westerlo for the 2025/26 campaign, while Park has impressed during pre-season with Eddie Howe’s senior side and is expected to remain part of the first-team squad this term.
Meanwhile, the club is also set to finalise the signing of Vakhtang Salia from Dinamo Tbilisi once he turns 18 later this month.
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Howe Encourages Academy Pathway to First Team
Speaking about the club’s influx of young talent, manager Eddie Howe stressed that his primary focus remains on first-team recruitment but acknowledged the importance of strengthening the academy.
> “I just focus on the first-team recruitment and those who are coming into my squad,” Howe explained. “In terms of the other players [at youth level], that is left to other people. But it is important that we strengthen underneath the first-team squad so we give ourselves the best chance long-term — both financially and in terms of developing our own talent.”
Crucially, Howe reiterated that there is a clear pathway for academy players to progress into the senior setup.
> “Absolutely, the pathway is there for all the players in the various age groups beneath the first team. At the moment, we have Sean Neave and Leo Shahar training regularly with the first team and doing really well. I’m really happy with them. So the window is open and we encourage that.”
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With the addition of Muawiya Ghanem, Newcastle United’s academy continues to grow in strength and depth — a strategy that could pay dividends for the Magpies in the years to come, both on the pitch and in building a sustainable footballing future.