Josh Kenchington has signed for Newcastle United | OneFootball

Newcastle United have now successfully completed the signing of Josh Kenchington.

A host of other Premier League clubs were also chasing the exciting teenage prospect, with Spurs, Man U and Brighton understood to be amongst them.

The England Under 15 international centre-back already stands at over 6ft tall and with his ability on the ball as well, has been labelled the ‘next John Stones‘, the Man City and England defender also came through the youth system at Barnsley.

Last month, Sky Sports reported (see below) that after having an initial £275,000 bid turned down for the 15 year old, Barnsley then accepted an improved initial £350,000 fee as well as ‘significant bonuses’ to come in the future as the young prospect develops.

The teenager will now train at the Newcastle United Academy, as well as going to school in Newcastle.

With the player having now signed for NUFC, Josh Kenchington took to Instagram to bid his farewells to Barnsley as he prepares for the next ‘chapter’ in his fledgling career, with his move to Newcastle United:

“Where do I start.

“Five years at this great [Barnsley] academy, filled with both ups and downs, a rollercoaster of emotions.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at the club, including academy staff, players, and every coach along the way, thank you all.

“I will never forget the memories made at my boyhood club and never forget how much I progressed. But it’s time now for the next chapter of my life [at Newcastle United]. We move…”

Sky Sports report – 17 October 2025:

“Newcastle have agreed to pay £350,000 plus significant bonuses for wonder kid Josh Kenchington.

“Newcastle United’s second bid to Barnsley was accepted, after a £275,000 first offer was turned down.

“Compared to John Stones, Kenchington was playing under 18 football aged just 14.

“Newcastle fended off rival interest from Man United, Spurs and Brighton for his signature.

“He’s a two-footed centre-back who already stands over 6ft tall and high hopes for the future.

“The teenager will sign upon clearance of Premier League family checks and will attend school in Newcastle while also training at the Academy.”

Final thoughts

Great to see the club continuing to invest in young players who could be the future of our club.

For too long under Mike Ashley, a decade and a half, the scouting and academy side of things running on a shoestring budget, much like everything else at the club under the former owner. The emergence of the likes of Elliot Anderson, Lewis Miley and the Longstaff brothers, happening despite the chronic underfunding of facilities, coaching and recruitment.

Good luck to Josh Kenchington and all the other young players, both local and from further afield, who are arriving at Newcastle United.

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