At a glance
- Newcastle starlet signs first professional contract
- From Merseyside to Tyneside
- Howe continues to develop youth talent
Newcastle United academy prospect, Isaac Moran, has signed his first professional contract with the club on his birthday. The 17-year-old has already been training with the first team after impressing Eddie Howe with his hard work and leadership qualities.
Moran joined the first team training session ahead of the Magpies’ clash with Barcelona last week. He has been appearing for the U18’s this season. He also made his UEFA Youth League debut and several substitute appearances in the Premier League 2.
Moran’s story so far
Moran spent his entire youth career at Liverpool, where he broke into the U18 squad during the 2024/25 season.
Unfortunately for the Reds, Moran opted to move to Tyneside last summer, which was seen as a huge loss for Liverpool, while an impressive addition to the academy at St James’ Park.
Moran is the second player Newcastle have signed from Liverpool in recent years, alongside Remi Savage, who signed for Inverness CT in 2024. He has captained England at the youth level, and offers versatility across the midfield and at centre back.
The young prospect said after putting pen to paper: “This is the perfect place to develop and become the best player I can be.”
Following his arrival, the club’s Head of Academy, Steve Harper, was pleased to see this exciting talent join the club. He told club media:
“The leadership qualities he has displayed to date speak volumes about his character, and we’re excited to help him”.
Moran has shown rapid development, leading the club to hand him his first professional deal. He said that this experience can help him reach his goals.
“It’s been very beneficial going up against Premier League proven players [in training] and getting an early insight will help me, knowing that is the level I’m inspiring to get to every day and, hopefully, I can be with them permanently in the future.”
| Isaac Moran (2025/26 U18 Premier League) | Stats |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 15 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Games started | 10 |
| Minutes played | 1073 |
| Bookings | 0 |
| Team goals conceded | 35 |
| Team goals scored | 33 |
While it may be too early to talk about making his first team debut, it’s expected that he will feature in the U21 squad more, with only three games left of their season.
Howe continues to support Newcastle academy
Since Howe’s arrival at St James’ Park, one thing the 48-year-old has always tried to do is help develop the youngsters at the club.
Lewis Miley has become an important part of Newcastle’s squad, and would likely be a starter under Howe if the club didn’t already possess one of the Premier League’s strongest midfields.
However, he has still had plenty of game time under Howe, which has helped him become a part of the England U21 side. The versatile Englishman picked up the North East Football Writers’ Association Young Player of the Year award at the beginning of the month.
Academy full-back Alex Murphy has also been earning minutes this season with a handful of substitute appearances at left back. This is despite Lewis Hall’s incredible form this season.
Newcastle U18’s top goalscorer Sean Neave made his Champions League debut away at Qarabag in the Knockout round as a substitute, and has been named on the bench throughout 2026.
The Magpies’ willingness to give young players opportunities over the last two years could have influenced Moran’s decision to join them last summer, as he believes his best chance of becoming a Premier League regular is in Black and White under Howe.
