16-year-old Newcastle signing named in top 20 Premier League talents

16-year-old Newcastle signing named in top 20 Premier League talents - One to watch

by Jaspar Shepherdson · 16 October 2024, 14:35

Newcastle and Ireland U-17s talent Rory Finneran is one of the 20 names listed in The Guardian's annual 'Next Generation' list, designed to highlight future stars in each Premier League team.

The 16-year-old, who signed from Blackburn over the summer, has been named alongside the likes of Manchester City's Stephen Mfuni and Chelsea Shumaira Mheuka as one of the best 'first-year scholars' in the Premier League, referring to players born between September 2007 and August 2008.

Writer Louise Taylor has highlighted the Irishman's skill and potential for his country, stating "Finneran’s accomplished left foot – although he is also pretty good with his right – has already helped earn him 10 Republic of Ireland Under-17 caps."

"Named Ireland’s Under-15 player of the year in 2023, Finnernan joined Blackburn’s academy at the age of eight but had been on the radar of a raft of Europe’s leading clubs for some time. With Newcastle winning the race for his signature, Finneran rejected the offer of a scholarship at Ewood Park, choosing a switch to the St James’ Park academy."

Defensive midfielder Finneran, born February 2008, made headlines earlier this year when he became the youngest player in former club Blackburn's history after his appearance in their FA Cup clash against Cambridge United.

Stretching back to 2016, Newcastle talents have enjoyed mixed success in regards to their 'Next Generation' talents. The standout player remains Lewis Miley, who was the recipient in 2022 and has since gone on to feature for his boyhood club in the Champions League. 2019 recipient Joe White meanwhile made four Premier League appearances for Eddie Howe's side, which could be an exciting sign of things to come for young Finneran.

You can see the full list of names listed as Newcastle's 'Next Generation' talent below: