Journalist expects £3m midfielder signed from Manchester City to leave Newcastle United this summer

Newcastle United's January transfer window in 2024 saw the Magpies add just one player to their ranks in the form of Alfie Harrison from Manchester City.

The youngster was signed for the U21s at a prospect and therefore didn't add anything to the first-team at the time.

However, he arrived with a ton of promise, with expectations that he could be the next star to come off the Man City production line.

Since signing, though, things have been fairly quiet on the Alfie Harrison front. He's popped up with goals and assists as expected, but there's never been anything to suggest that he's the next superstar.

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What are Newcastle's plans with youngster Alfie Harrison?

So the big question is, what happens next for the 19-year-old? That's a question that Chris Waugh has answered in his recent Q&A for The Athletic.

"Alfie Harrison, the attacking midfielder, scored three goals and provided seven assists across 20 Premier League 2 appearances and the 19-year-old is likely to go on loan next season.

"Stylistically, as a player best suited to playing as a No 10, it is difficult to see what his pathway is into Howe’s senior set-up, but he is technically excellent and needs senior experience."

A loan for Alfie Harrison makes perfect sense right now

A loan definitely feels like the right thing to do right now to get him some competitive match experience.

However, the big concern here is what Waugh has said about him playing as a No. 10 and there being no clear pathway into Eddie Howe's side.

Surely this is something that has been addressed already, and he's undergoing training to adjust his position; otherwise, what are we even doing?