One way to show that you’ve arrived onto the big stage is to splash millions on established football stars. But Newcastle United seem to be doing it in a more subtle way – by attracting the hottest young talent ahead of the biggest clubs in the country. The Magpies have announced the signing of 17-year-old Scottish defender Charlie McArthur from Kilmarnock.#NUFC have officially confirmed the signing of 17-year old Scotland U17 captain Charlie McArthur from Kilmarnock.The promising centre-back, who attracted strong interest from a number of EPL clubs, will link up with United’s U18 side.Welcome to Newcastle United, Charlie! 🏴 pic.twitter.com/HfAFnnK2ei— Magpie 24/7 – Newcastle United (@Magpie24_7) July 6, 2022 Even though Manchester City and Liverpool were also interested in the promising centre-back, the black and whites swooped in secured the signature of the Scotland Under-17s captain for a fee of around $420,000.Former Kilmarnock manager Tommy Wright, who used to be Newcastle’s substitute goalkeeper in late 1990s, spoke about the teenager’s performance following his debut, describing him as a “dream to work with” while also predicting that McArthur will have a great career.The youngster’s arrival could be a boost to Newcastle’s age-grade sides who struggled last season. The under-18s finished bottom of the league, while the under-23s failed to reach the play-offs in the Premier League 2.##NAJAVA_MECA_6490246##Kilmarnock head coach Derek McInnes said that the Scottish club couldn’t compete with Newcastle, nor would they stand in Charlie’s way of joining such a big club.”We understood, like all Scottish clubs, that we’re vulnerable to the richest league in the world. Ideally, Charlie, as a Kilmarnock supporter, would have played 100 games for the Kilmarnock first team and we would have gotten a lot of satisfaction in seeing that. Unfortunately for us, a bigger club has come along and identified he’s a good player, which he is. Charlie was keen on the transfer, so it was all about us getting the fee that we wanted.”
