Newcastle United official announcement – Matheos Ferreira and Aaron Epia agree first professional contracts | OneFootball

Matheos Ferreira and Aaron Epia have reached agreement on their first professional contracts with Newcastle United.

An official club announcement (see below) on Saturday morning revealing the news.

The teenagers both excited to make the step up.

Matheos Ferreira is a winger who is comfortable playing on either side of the pitch.

Whilst Aaron Epia is a promising ball playing centre-back.

Best of luck to both of them with their Newcastle United careers.

Newcastle United official announcement – 2 August 2025:

Matheos Ferreira and Aaron Epia have put pen to paper on their first professional contracts with Newcastle United.

The highly-rated pair signed full-time scholarships with United’s Academy last summer before agreeing to pro deals once both turning 17 years old.

Ferreira, who celebrates his 17th birthday today, is a winger capable of playing on both flanks and recorded an assist on his debut for United’s Under-21s side in January during a 2-2 draw against Everton in the Premier League 2.

The promising youngster, who joined United’s Academy in 2020 after playing for local club Berwick Juniors, recorded eight goals and six assists in the Under-18 Premier League North last season and scored his first goal at under-21 level against Leicester City in February.

Ferreira, born to a Brazilian father and Italian mother, told newcastleunited.com: “Signing this contract is a truly special moment for me and my family. It is a clear sign that all the hard work, sacrifice and determination is beginning to pay off.

“Last season was really positive for me, making my under-21s debut and it was a proud moment to get an assist and make an impact on the game which made it even more rewarding.

“Moments like that reflect the progress I’m making but I know there is still much more to achieve. I am incredibly grateful to my family and host parents for their constant support and to all the staff who have helped me grow both as a player and a person.

“I am also setting new goals and pushing to improve this season and I aim to secure a regular place in the under-21s squad, including starting games. I am focussed, hungry and excited for what lies ahead.”

Epia, a ball-playing centre-back, joined the Magpies from Everton last summer and made 14 league appearances for United at under-18 level during the 2024/25 campaign, scoring his first Newcastle goal against his former club in March.

The aggressive defender, who admires Jarrad Branthwaite and John Stones, admitted he is now reaping the benefits of making a difficult choice in moving from the North west to the North east of England in pursuit of, ultimately, achieving a lifelong ambition.

The Manchester-born youngster added: “When I came here last year, I wasn’t too sure about moving to Newcastle but as I got used to the culture and environment, I ended up liking it and I love it now.

“It was a big step to sign my first professional contract as it’s something I’ve worked for my whole life, with a lot of support from my family. I’m really pleased to sign it.

“I like Newcastle’s values and how they admire hard work. It’s a big club, a big city and it’s a huge step for me.

“I want to play regularly for the under-18s and then, hopefully, I can move up to the under-21s group and then make it to the first-team in a few years’ time, making my debut for the club.”

Academy Director Steve Harper said: “This is a significant step for Matheos and Aaron and one they’ve both earned through the progress they’ve made since joining the club.

“They have shown real maturity in how they’ve approached their development, both on and off the pitch, and they both consistently demonstrate the values we want to see in young professionals.