Newcastle offer Nigeria-eligible teenager Sam Alabi his first professional contract

ENGLISH Premier League giants Newcastle United have offered Nigeria-eligible teenage midfielder Sam Alabi his first ever professional contract on his 17th birthday ahead if the forthcoming 20206/27 season.

Under Football Association regulations, players become eligible to sign their first professional contract when they turn 17, making the landmark agreement a fitting way to celebrate the occasion. Earlier today, Newcastle  confirmed on their official website that the dual-national midfielder had put pen to paper on his maiden professional deal.

Born on July 9, 2009, to Nigerian parents, Alabi is widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Newcastle United's academy. His rapid progress was underlined by four first-team call-ups to the Newcastle senior squad as a 16-year-old during the just-concluded 2025/26 season.

Manchester-born Alabi was an unused substitute in the Uefa Champions League clash against Marseille, as well as Premier League fixtures against Manchester United and Burnley, before also being named in the matchday squad for the FA Cup tie against Bournemouth. He joined Newcastle United's academy from Oldham Athletic at the age of 14 and has continued to impress with his performances in the youth ranks.

On the international stage, he captained England's Young Lions in Uefa European U17 Championship qualifying matches against Scotland and Lithuania last October. Having trained regularly with Eddie Howe's first-team squad last season, Alabi will now be aiming to make his senior debut for Newcastle United during the forthcoming campaign.