Exciting 18-year-old set to join Lewis Hall on Tyneside as Dan Ashworth strikes again
As we revealed in an NUFC Blog exclusive last weekend, Newcastle United have agreed a deal to sign Inter Milan talent Kevin Zefi.
It's an U21 addition, but another promising arrival, with the 18-year-old sensation the latest Irish gem Dan Ashworth looks set to recruit following previous moves for Cathal Heffernan (AC Milan) and Alex Murphy (Galway) and Reece Byrne (Bohemians).
It's believed he hasn't trained with Cristian Chivu’s U19 side over the past few weeks and is 'very close' to putting pen to paper at St James' Park, according to reports in Italy. The youngster underwent surgery on his shoulder in June but should be back in action soon.
So, who is Kevin Zefi? After leaving Shamrock Rovers in 2021, he spent the last two years in Inter Milan's youth system and has caps for Ireland at U15, U17, U18 and U19 level.
The skillful attacker operated as a No.10 for the majority of 2022/23, but has also played as a left winger and striker during the first four years of his young career.
Last season, he impressed in Italy’s U18 B league, scoring 16 times in 13 appearances for Inter, along with an assist in the UEFA Youth League; a competition we’ll feature in later this year following our qualification for the Champions League.
Interestingly, he's also represented by Stephen Carr; the former Newcastle United right-back who will know a thing or two about the club and city. Mix that with Zefi's experience playing alongside the likes of Heffernan, Murphy and Byrne at international level, it's a move that just makes sense as he prepares to move closer to home following two years in Italy.
Lewis Hall may well be the last first-team addition this summer - unless we can move fringe men on and find a suitable right-sided centre-back - but Zefi is set to become the latest addition to our ever-improving academy and could be one to watch over the coming years.
Here's a few clips of the Irish sensation in action:
