Newcastle United's Academy confirm summer departures | OneFootball

Ciaran Thompson and Alfie Harrison, who have both featured in first-team friendlies, are among those set to depart.

Thompson joined Newcastle’s Academy at the age of 13 and signed his first professional contract in the summer of 2023. He later appeared for the Magpies in a post-season friendly against Tottenham Hotspur in Melbourne in May 2024.

Midfielder Harrison arrived from Manchester City in February 2024. He made his first appearance for Eddie Howe’s side during the Magpies’ Sela Cup triumph against Stade Brestois in August 2024, before featuring again against Espanyol and Atlético Madrid in August 2025.

Also departing at Under-21 level are Adam Harrison, James Taylor, Joe Brayson, Thomas Bryant and Darren Palmer.

Goalkeeper Harrison signed his first professional contract in 2024 and made his Premier League 2 debut against Manchester City in April 2025. He was also named on the bench for the first time in a senior matchday squad during Newcastle’s UEFA Champions League Group F fixture against AC Milan in 2023/24.

Fellow shot stopper Taylor joined the Magpies from Hemel Hempstead Town in the summer of 2024. The 19-year-old made ten Under-21 appearances in all competitions during the 2025/26 campaign.

Striker Brayson joined the Academy in 2015 and made his Under-21s debut in an EFL Trophy tie against Crewe Alexandra during the 2022/23 season. Earlier this season, he completed a short-term loan with Morpeth Town, scoring his first senior goal in an NPL Premier Division match at Ilkeston Town in January.

South Shields-born Palmer joined the Academy in 2016 and made his Premier League 2 debut against Sunderland in March 2024, before signing his first professional contract the following summer.

Defender Bryant signed a scholarship with the Academy in 2023 and made six appearances across all competitions during the 2025/26 season.

All other Under-21 players will remain with the Academy, with options activated to retain Dylan Charlton, Scott Bailey, Johnny Emerson and Luke Craggs.

Academy Director Steve Harper said: “I want to extend my thanks to all the players moving on from the Academy this summer. They have all made positive contributions during their time here and they are all well placed to continue their football journey on the back of the platform they’ve built.

“Our support for each of them will continue as they take their next steps. The Academy remains a resource for them and I look forward to seeing where their journeys take them.

"On behalf of everyone at the football club, we wish them every success for the future.”