Who is CJ Afumuzor? - The exciting talent set for summer move to Newcastle

by Olly Hawkins · 12 June 2024, 19:55

On Tuesday afternoon, we released an exclusive on 'CJ' Afumuzor; the teenage talent set to become the first of many Academy signings at Newcastle United this summer.

Newcastle have agreed a fee with Portsmouth and beaten Premier League rivals Man Utd, Aston Villa and Brighton to a deal, with the player undergoing a medical last week ahead of the move.

Who is CJ Afumuzor?

Chukwudi Afumuzor - who goes by the name 'CJ' - is a 14-year-old box-to-box midfielder who is thought to be one of the best category three players in the country after eight years at Pompey.

Speaking to a youth scout with strong links to the Academy circuit, he's described as a 'combative midfielder who operates best as a No.8', with CJ's 'engine, ball-winning qualities and ability to drive forward at opposition defences' considered some of his standout traits ahead of his move to Newcastle. Here's a few clips of him in action:

https://twitter.com/NUFCblogcouk/status/1800929534004617688

The 5ft 9' talent turns 15 and December, but has already featured in U16 games for Portsmouth after impressing at U14 and U15 level, scoring over 20 goals across the 2023/24 season from midfield, highlighting his eye for goal.

The Pompey talent is expected to link up with Newcastle’s U15 side ahead of the coming season and will be the first of many Academy signings this summer, with the club committed to investing in all youth departments to ensure season-on-season improvements at every level from U15 to U21.

Last summer we saw a number of domestic talents sign on Tyneside. At U16 level we saw exciting midfielder Sam Alabi arrive from Oldham Athletic, with winger Michael Mills (Port Vale), Sam Pinnington (Luton Town) and Kacey Wooster (Southend) also signing deals at the club.

At U21 and U18 level, England youth internationals Trevan Sanusi (Birmingham) and Leo Shahar (Wolves) sealed moves in search of a clearer pathway to first-team football, with Man City's No.10 Alfie Harrison also joining.

Welcome to the Toon, CJ!