Newcastle Untied head to AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup Third Round and two youngsters could make their full debuts.
Trevan Sanusi and Alfie Harrison were two breakout stars for Newcastle United in pre-season under Eddie Howe – and could potentially be set for a slice of first-team action when the Magpies face AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup this week.
17-year-old Sanusi was a surprise inclusion in United’s first-team preparations for the 2024/25 campaign, playing in every pre-season fixture. The Birmingham-born winger signed for the Magpies from hometown club Birmingham City last year, and the Toon saw off a reported interest from Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal to sign the England youth international.
“He’s definitely got a talent,” said Howe, when asked about the youngster after a pre-season outing against Hull City. “He’s very clever with the ball,’ said Howe. ‘He’s got lots of tricks in his bag that he can pull out from time to time.
“I’m excited by him. I think he’s got the basics of a really good framework to build from. It’s going to be up to us and for him to develop those skills and talents.”
Black and white supporters sat up and took note of Sanusi after an exciting display in the 4-1 win over Urawa Red Diamonds in their pre-season tour of Japan in Saitama. The England youth international would go on to impress in the Sela Cup and could be handed an opportunity to impress against AFC Wimbledon later this week, following in the footsteps of fellow Magpies’ youngster Lewis Miley.
Midfielder Harrison is another who looked bright in pre-season, making his first-team bow in the Sela Cup. After signing from Manchester City in February 2024, Harrison has impressed in the Magpies’ youth set-up with one assist to his name in the Premier League 2 campaign to date.
Howe promoted the youngster to first-team training at the end of last season to take a closer look at the midfielder, and the 18-year-old is another who could be given an opportunity to impress in the Carabao Cup.
